How to Grow Perovskia Plants

Guide to Growing Russian Sage, Azure Sage

Perovskia are hardy perennial sub-shrubs that reach a height of 90 cm to 1.2 metres.

Perovskia carries attractive toothed leaves of grayish green or silver.

They bloom towards the end of summer and carry spike like flowers of azure, blue or purple.

Some common names for Perovskia include Russian Sage and Azure Sage.

Perovskia
Perovskia by Wallygrom.

Perovskia Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Russian Sage, Azure Sage.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 36 to 52 inches (90—130 cm).
Native: Southwest and Central Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
Flowers: Late summer.
Flower Details: Blue, lavender. Small. Long lasting spires about one foot (30 cm).
Foliage: Herbaceous/Sub-shrub. Silver-grey. Lobed. Odorous leaves and stems.
Sow Outside: Not usually grown from seed.
Planting: Transplant purchased or flat grown cuttings into the garden at the start of spring or in autumn. Space at two to three feet apart (60—90 cm).
Requirements and care: Full sunlight. Very good drainage. Average soil. Will tolerate chalky/high pH soils. Salt tolerant. Drought tolerant. Propagate: by taking cuttings in the spring and summer. Propagate in flats under glass.
Family:
Closely Related Species:
Miscellaneous: Flowers are edible. Leaves are smoked for their hallucinogenic effects. Traditionally used as an Antipyretic medicine in Europe.

How to Grow Russian Sage

It is best to grow Russian sage from cuttings or from plants bought at a garden center. If growing from cuttings, take the cuttings in spring or early summer and plant them in pots under glass.

Allow to grow in the pots until the autumn then plant the young Russian Sage plants about 60 to 90 cm apart into a well drained sunny part of the garden.

Caring for Perovskia

Russian Sage and other Perovskia plants that are purchased from a nursery or garden center can be planted in autumn or spring. Once established the Perovskia plants should be cut back to ground level at the beginning of spring.