Perovskia atriplicifolia

Perovskia atriplicifolia, also known as Russian Sage, is a woody based perennial known for its tall airy stems of lavender blue flowers and aromatic silver gray foliage. Great structural and pollinator plant that delivers a long lasting blooming season.

Height & Spread: 30 – 42 in x 24 – 36 in

Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soils; tolerates poor fertility

Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant

Deer Resistance: Strongly deer resistant due to aromatic foliage

Native Status

Native to central Asia, including Afghanistan and Tibet, though widely naturalized in North America and prized for xeric garden use.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Bees

• Attracts a wide range of native bees, including sweat bees and bumblebees, which forage on its long blooming flower spikes.

Butterflies

• Draws in summer flying species such as Painted Ladies and Common Buckeyes with its abundant nectar.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 24 – 36 in apart to allow upright stems to branch fully and prevent overcrowding.

Landscape Placement

• Excellent for hot dry borders, cottage gardens, pollinator meadows, and large containers. Strong vertical form and soft texture pair well with grasses and bold bloomers.

Companion Plants

• Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ (Switchgrass) – Adds vertical movement and warm toned foliage as a foil to silver gray stems.
• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) – Provides sturdy, upright flowers and long season color alongside Russian Sage.
• Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Offers deep violet spikes and a similar bloom period, enhancing the blue color theme.
• Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) – Adds feathery foliage and flat topped blooms that contrast nicely with Perovskias texture.
• Gaura lindheimeri – Offers airy white or pink blooms and a relaxed habit that complements Perovskias upright lines.