Which Russian sage is best

Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spires (Blue Spires Russian Sage) is the best large growing Russian Sage selection blooming with dark blue flower spikes appearing in mid-summer. Thought to be a hybrid of two species, this plant has amazing vigor and blooms for many months.

What is the shortest Russian sage?

Lacey Blue, Little Lace and CrazyBlue are the shortest at 15 to 18 inches. * Where to use: Loves Mediterranean conditions – heat, sun, gravelly soil. Ideal in butterfly or perennial gardens but also around mailboxes, on sunny banks and along western or southern foundations.

Does Russian sage spread?

Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Since Russian sage grows as clumps, space the plants about 3 feet apart, or 3 feet away from other plants in the garden, to give them room to spread.

What does Russian sage look like?

Growth Habit: Russian sage is a tall plant, 3-5 feet in height with a spread of 2-3 feet. Gray-green foliage is reminiscent of lavender, as is the color of the flowers borne on tall panicles that have an airy, textured feel. Plants create a woody base over time that should be cut back in early spring.

Is there a dwarf Russian sage?

Lacy Blue Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia Lacey Blue) is a true dwarf cultivar discovered in an English garden and just recently introduced to the US. Its smaller size makes it very useful when space is an issue and a smaller version of Russian Sage is required. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).

Should you prune Russian sage?

In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you don’t want to see stems all winter long. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.

Do Russian sage have deep roots?

Digging Up Russian Sage Russian sage requires careful removal to minimize damage to its root system. Growing 3- to 5-feet tall and 2- to 4-feet wide, Russian sage can have an extensive root system, and some damage is unavoidable. … Repeat this around the plant’s base, slowly working the root ball out of the soil.

How do you prune a little Spire Russian sage?

Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth.

What can I plant with Little Spire Russian sage?

Botanical Pronunciationpe-ROF-ski-a a-tri-pli-si-FO-li-aWater NeedsLowWatering NeedsOnce established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.Companion PlantsConeflower (Echinacea); Butterfly Bush (Buddleja); Butterfly Weed (Asclepias); Aster (Aster); Bee Balm (Monarda)

How do you keep Russian sage from spreading?

Another way to keep a Russian sage in-bounds is to plant it inside of a “sleeve” that prevents underground runners (they’re called rhizomes) from spreading out. You can use a plastic nursery pot and cut the bottom out.

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How long does it take for Russian sage to reach maturity?

Plant Type:Woody flowering ornamental shrubFlower / Foliage Color:Time to Maturity:4 yearsGenus:Water Needs:LowSubgenus:MaintenanceLowSpecies:Common Pests:Aphids, leafhoppers, slugs, spider mites, whitefliesCommon Diseases:

Should you fertilize Russian sage?

Russian sage does not require much fertilizer either, but it will need a small amount of nutrients very seldomly. Every other year, around late fall, amend your soil with a handful of general purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost. … Russian sage is a member of the mint family and spreads by runners.

Does Russian Sage reseed itself?

Russian sage frequently self-seeds in the garden, enabling new plants to spring up. … It is also sometimes possible to obtain new plants from root cuttings, which should be at least the diameter of a pencil, taken in early spring or late winter.

Can I divide Russian sage?

Leaving division of Russian Sage to the fall will ensure you can divide it while it is not in its active bloom state. … It is a good plant for fall color in the garden, to use for dried or cut flowers, or to attract butterflies. Russian sage can be propagated by division every three years in the spring season or fall.

Does Russian Sage repel bugs?

The Russian sage is an indispensable plant for the sunny perennial border, attracting beneficial bees but offering nothing to browsing bug pests. This is due in part to a combination of a bracing herbal aroma, and tough, fuzzy foliage.

How do you care for baby blue Russian sage?

Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates moderate drought. In early spring, fertilize and prune to within several inches above the ground to promote dense growth and heavy bloom.

How do you keep Russian sage under control?

Treat the plant with an herbicide to kill it, using a product that contains prodiamine. Apply the herbicide to the leaves of your Russian sage before it begins to flower in midsummer.

Do hummingbirds like Russian sage?

Whether the calendar says summer or fall, flowers such as Russian sage, bee balm and sunflowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds until the first frost—and sometimes beyond. … Enjoy the late-season color while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies galore!

Why does my Russian sage flop?

Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. Partial sun conditions can cause the plant to “stretch” a bit, looking for the sun. Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. The plants like a full day of sun when they can get it.

How do you look after Russian sage?

For best results, grow Perovskia atriplicifolia in full sun in well-drained soil. Prune hard each year in mid- to late spring create a woody framework a few inches high – this encourages strong new growth that will carry flowers later in the year.

Is Russian sage lavender?

Flowers: Russian Sage always has lavender purple flowers. These flowers are tall and airy, creating a lavender-blue cloud of color.

Does Walker's Low catmint spread?

Hardy, it typically grows in spreading clumps up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm) in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade. A dry soil lover, it is drought tolerant.

How tall does Perovskia little spire grow?

‘Little Spire’ is a compact Russian sage cultivar which typically grows to 2′ tall (species typically grows to 3-4′). It is a woody-based perennial of the mint family. Features finely-dissected, aromatic, gray-green foliage on stiff, upright, square stems.

How tall does Blue Steel Russian sage get?

Botanical Pronunciationpe-ROF-ski-a a-tri-pli-si-FO-li-aAverage Size at MaturityReaches 1 to 3 ft. tall, 1½ to 2 ft. wide.Bloom TimeSummer

Is catmint the same as Russian sage?

Catmint is about half the size of the Russian Sage. Also, Catmint has a thinner inflorescence whereas Russian Sage has a more voluminous inflorescence. Russian Sage has blue or purple flowers and Catmint can bloom in blue, white, or pink. In addition, Catmint is hardy than Russian Sage.

Does Russian sage smell like lavender?

Depending on the location of the plant, where the foliage is borne, and the variety, the leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of the Russian sage plant are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well.

Why is my Russian sage turning yellow?

The reason sage leaves turn yellow is often a sign of stress because of damp soil. Sage is drought resistant and prefers soil to dry out between bouts of watering. Sage leaves can also turn yellow because of too much nitrogen due to fertilizer or a nitrogen deficit because the roots are pot bound.

Are Russian sage roots invasive?

Russian sageshould be very near the top of that list for all that it adds to the landscape – color, texture, pollinators and presence. Though it isn’t a native plant, it is not invasive and will stay where you plant it for many years – as long as you give it the well-drained conditions it needs.

Can u cook with Russian sage?

Dangers of Russian Sage Because this plant is not related to the edible sage varieties, it should not be used in cooking or eaten in any matter because of its poisonous leaves. The effect on each person can vary greatly depending on your body’s individual reaction, but generally it is not considered toxic.

Do rabbits eat Russian sage?

Rabbits avoid all types of sage plants, as the volatile oils contained within the foliage act as natural repellents to the animals. In addition, Russian sage leaves have a fuzzy, tough texture that rabbits find unappealing. Russian sage plants are a go-to choice for any low-maintenance perennial border.

Can Russian sage tolerate shade?

SUN AND SHADE: Russian sage performs best in full sun. In partial shade, the plants tend to stretch and flop over. SOIL CONDITIONS: Perovskia requires very well drained soil. Once established it is drought tolerant.