Russian Sage, Azure Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.
Perovskia atriplicifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Open rocky places. Freely draining gravels and screes.
E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used as a cooling medicine in the treatment of fevers.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position. Tolerates light shade but plants become more lax in habit in such a situation. Succeeds in poor soils and, once established, tolerates drought. Tolerant of dry chalk soils, it also succeeds in maritime gardens. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts. A very ornamental plant. In cultivation people often cut the plants to the ground in the spring in order to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers. Plants rarely produce seed in Britain. The crushed leaves are very aromatic. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of softwood in late spring in a frame. Easy. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, July/August in a cold frame.
Best place to grow: Hedge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist