Russian Sage Varieties

November 14, 2024 Post a Comment

Russian sage varieties

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.

Is there a small version of 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).

Will Russian sage spread?

Russian sage spreads by self-sowing if conditions are right and also by rhizomes. In some situations, gardeners report this perennial flower as being invasive. It is not, however, reported or recorded as such in the National Invasive Species database. In the garden, keep an eye out for spreading stems.

Should you cut back Russian sage?

Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. If you don't prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn't look very nice.

Does Russian sage repel mosquitoes?

Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away.

Do hummingbirds like Russian sage?

Russian sage is a hummingbird's favorite because of the multitude of blooms and the shape of the flowers. It produces a nice fragrance that can attract humans too! This plant blooms mid to late summer and provides food for the hummingbirds during that time.

What looks good next to Russian sage?

Companion Plants: Because of the wispy nature of Russian Sage, it is fabulous planted with a flower that can pick up the violet-blue of its many flower panicles, and 'grow through it, such as Coneflower (Echinacea spp.), globe thistle (Echinops ritro) or tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis).

Are there different colors of Russian sage?

atriplicifolia and P. abrotanoides.] The species grows 3 to 4 feet tall, producing lavender blue flowers all summer on fine textured, aromatic, gray-green leaves and gray-white stems.

What is the lifespan of Russian sage?

Russian Sage loves to live in well-drained soil and does not handle humidity very well. It must be pruned about a month after planting if starting with a mature plant and can live for three years, though its purple blooming buds that resemble the well-known Lavender plant only last about four total months.

Is Russian sage toxic to dogs?

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a great fall plant. And thankfully, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets.

Is Russian sage low maintenance?

Russian sage is a herbaceous woody perennial or subshrub that's easy to grow and virtually maintenance free once established.

Does Russian sage stay green in winter?

Russian sage plants are deciduous—not evergreen—but they can easily survive the winter, especially with the help of a protective layer of mulch over its root system. Leave the old stems for the cold seasons, and then prune them down to a foot in the late spring.

Should I plant lavender or Russian sage?

But Russian sage can handle more water (and lavender thrives in poor soil) Lavender can't stand much water. Russian sage, however, can grow in dry-to-medium soil. And while both plants can deal with less-than-ideal soil conditions, for lavender, the poorer the quality of the soil (even sand), the better.

What time of year do you cut back 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.

How do I winterize Russian sage?

How to Winterize Russian Sage

Water Russian sage deeply in late autumn, as moist soil protects the roots in chilly weather.
Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch evenly around the Russian sage plants.
Allow spent Russian sage plants to remain intact in autumn, and it will add interest to the winter landscape.

Does Russian sage repel ticks?

Sage is another example of an herb that doubles as a natural pest repellent. Boasting a familiar strong scent, the sage plant enhances its smell the moment you walk by. Consider planting it in your herb garden or along walkways to keep ticks and other pests out of your yard and home.

Is Russian sage good for anything?

A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever.

What insects are attracted to Russian sage?

However, everything about Russian sage makes it a perfect plant for your pollinator garden. It is low-maintenance, drought tolerant, and is not eaten by deer or rabbits. At the same time, it is popular with all sorts of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hover flies.

How do I keep my Russian sage from falling over?

If your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches. Those considering adding Russian sage to their gardens may want to try Little Spires, a shorter (four foot tall) cultivar that is less prone to flopping.

Does Russian sage attract bugs?

Russian Sage – This is an indispensable plant for the hot sunny border because it attracts beneficial bees but offers nothing to browsing bug pests. Even javelina find this bloomer distasteful.