Russian Sage in The Desert

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is neither Russian, nor is it a sage. It was, however, named after a Russian diplomat (B. A. Perovski) by Russian botanist (S. G. Karelin) around 1840.

Russian sage is actually native to Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries in that region) and Tibet.

There are only seven species of Perovskia, but it is a member of the mint family (Labiateae) and there are over 5,500 genera in that family.

The ‚”sage” misnomer comes from the smell of the leaves when crushed. The aroma produced is really sage-like and very pleasant. Cultivation of the plant began immediately after it was discovered and named.

The plant is deciduous. The stems are grayish white and the distinctive and attractive silver-green leaves are a real eye-catcher. However, what makes this plant extremely desirable are its abundant tiny lavender flowers that bloom in late spring and continue to early fall.

Flowering happens only on new growth, so the plant should be drastically cut back in early spring before it begins to sprout new leaves. Cutting it back to the ground will not harm Russian sage.

One of the great things about Russian sage in a desert garden is that it is very tolerant of dry soils with high pH and high salt levels and it is considered drought-tolerant. In addition to growing well in the desert, it also grows well in gardens by the sea because of its tolerance to high salt concentrations.

Grown with native wildflowers, particularly coreopsis, liatris (gayfeather), phlox, rudbeckia, and with native grasses, this plant becomes really striking. It is attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Russian sage likes full sun. It will grow in the shade, but the branches may become floppy. The roots of the plant are very shallow, and it likes well-drained soil. If the soil is too wet, root rot may occur.New plants are very easy to start by layering branches.

Although you can grow Russian sage from seed, seedlings and small plants take a very long time to be established. The best way to get Russian sage started in your garden is to purchase one to five gallon plants, or to layer branches and then place them in a growing medium until they are established.

Russian sage does well in containers, but make sure that they are planted in outside containers after danger of last frost has passed.

The plant can be grown comfortably in Zones 4 through 6.

Varieties of Russian sage include:

Longen

Little Spire

Filigran

Blue Spire

Blue Haze.

Related articles:

Wind Tolerant Perennials

Low Water Use Shrubs and Trees

Top Low Water Use Desert Shrubs