Russian Sage – Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian sage, is one tough cookie, easily grown in average to dry, well-drained soils in full sun. It will grow in part shade, but stems will be prone to flopping over. Plants are drought tolerant once established. The gray-green foliage is pungent when crushed, making this one both deer and rabbit resistant. The light blue flowers are arranged in whorls along branched panicles, giving the plant a very light and airy appearance. Other attributes include:
- Deciduous perennial subshrub, 3 – 5’ tall x 2 – 4’ wide.
- Long bloom time – 15 weeks! – from July-September.
- Three star nectar and pollen rating, per the book, Garden Plants for Honey Bees.
A drift of pale blue Russian sage in a mixed border at Longwood Gardens.
-Marie Rojas