Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian Sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial known for its airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers and silvery, aromatic foliage that add texture and movement to the landscape. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, this deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscapes, borders, and cottage gardens. With its tall, wispy stems and fine-textured leaves, Russian Sage pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, echinacea, and rudbeckia, providing multi-season interest and attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Why Choose Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian Sage?

• Long-Lasting Lavender-Blue Blooms: Provides vibrant color from summer to fall.
• Drought-Tolerant & Deer-Resistant: Thrives in dry, well-drained soils and repels browsing from deer.
• Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.

Cultivating Tips:

• Best grown in full sun for strong flowering and robust growth.
• Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils; avoid heavy, wet conditions.
• Cut back in early spring to encourage fresh, healthy growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

Perovskia atriplicifolia is perfect for drought-tolerant landscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Its soft, lavender flowers and silvery foliage contrast beautifully with roses, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses. Use it as a low-maintenance hedge, a mass planting for color impact, or a textural element in modern gardens.

Ecological Benefits:

While Russian Sage is not a native species, it provides valuable nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Its drought resistance and deep root system make it an excellent plant for water-wise gardening and erosion control.

Since Perovskia atriplicifolia is not a native species, consider these native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Agastache foeniculum – Anise Hyssop – A drought-tolerant native perennial with lavender-blue flower spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Pycnanthemum incanum – Hoary Mountainmint – A native, pollinator-friendly plant with silvery-green foliage and clusters of white flowers, offering a similar soft, airy appearance.
• Monarda fistulosa – Wild Bergamot – A native perennial with fragrant lavender-pink blooms that attract pollinators and thrive in dry, sunny conditions.