Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 05:10 pm
How to grow Russian sage, also known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, isn’t too hard if you know what it needs. This hardy plant loves sunny spots and well-drained soil. It’s perfect if you don’t want to spend a lot of time watering or fussing. Once it’s established, it can handle dry conditions like a pro.
Make sure you give it room to spread out since it can grow up to four feet tall and wide. Its silvery leaves and purplish-blue flowers not only look amazing but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s great for anyone who loves a low-maintenance garden with plenty of color.
If you’re planting more than one, space them about two or three feet apart so they don’t overcrowd each other. Pruning is simple too—just cut it down to about a foot in early spring to keep it healthy and shapely. It’s a tough plant and can even handle cold winters in many areas.
Russian Sage Plant
How to grow Russian Sage
Many new gardeners mistake this plant for a Lavender or Texas sage bushes, it is not a true sage, and its origin comes from Russia. It is a flowering herbaceous perennial. For this post, we will call it a Sage.
The plant thrives in and around the Southwest and produces tall spikey, bright lavender-blue limbs. It is a tough vigorous plant that grows anywhere, especially in and around the American Southwest.
The foliage is a silver-gray color, and it starts to bloom in late spring until and into early fall. It does well in a rock garden or Xeriscape landscape.
Plant it in full hot sun do not plant in the shade as it will sprawl and spring out in places you might not want! The best time to plant is in early spring or mid-fall.
Is Russian Sage Drought Resistant?
Yes, once it becomes established it is very drought tolerant. It does tolerate poor soil and grows about 4-5 ft. tall and wide. It is also good for container gardening.
This plant can become invasive, so it is best to give it lots of room to grow. Pulling out unwanted sage by hand and including the roots will keep it from getting into places where you do not want it to grow.
I would not place this plant near other plants that are in your flowering or vegetable garden as it will quickly take over. The rhizome of this plant is how it grows and will produce more stems.
You should plant Russian sage in full hot sun, if not it will start to look yellow, and the stems will reach for sunlight thus giving it a droopy look.
Propagating Russian Sage
Russian Sage can be propagated by separating clumps of plant roots and all. Place the new sage clump in a good well-drained container. Use topsoil or potting mix water about every other day during the spring season.
Once it shows new growth it’s time to plant in the ground. It will bloom from mid-summer until mid-fall.
It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10. Look up your USDA hardiness zone here.
Monrovia.com has more photos and information about Russian sage.
Russian Sage is not toxic to cats and dogs.
Conclusion
With the right care, Russian Sage can transform your outdoor space. Remember to plant in sunny spots, water sparingly, and keep up with seasonal pruning. Share your gardening success with others or try growing it in new areas of your yard.
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