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Key characteristics

Family: Lamiaceae
Height: 36–48 inches
Width: 36–48 inches
Flower color: Lavender-blue
Foliage color: Silvery-green
Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Medium; drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; prune back in early spring to promote vigorous growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 5–9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer-resistant

Perennials

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian sage, is a woody-based perennial native to the steppes and hills of southwestern and central Asia, including regions like Afghanistan, Iran, China, and Pakistan. It blooms from mid-summer to late autumn, producing lavender-blue flowers arranged in airy panicles that create a haze of color above the aromatic, gray-green foliage.

The plant's square stems and finely dissected leaves contribute to its delicate, lacy appearance.

Light

Full sun

Water

Medium; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Mid-summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)