If you live in the northern reaches of that climate range, you may need to offer potted Russian sage a bit of extra protection during the winter months. It is a member of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) but is not generally considered edible. The plant is native to central Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tibet and grown as a landscaping plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones. Choose a location that receives abundant sunshine—a minimum of 6-8 hours per day. from Stanford University. Would oriental lilies be a good companion plant, maybe the dwarf varieties or should I really go with something else? Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. However, many gardeners have found that dividing Russian sage actually harms the root systems … Russian sage scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia is a deciduous woody shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Special features: Attracts butterflies, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Drought tolerant, Easy care, Fragrance, Heat tolerant, Long blooming Russian Sage – Perovskia atriplicifolia Landscaping Uses. Companion Plants for Russian Sage. Admired for its silvery gray, fragrant foliage as much as its lavender-purple flowers, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) makes a bold statement in the garden. pair well with Russian sage in all sorts of ways. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. They could easily engulf your roses, so be sure to allow some space between plants. Water Russian sage during times of extreme heat or drought. Should you cut it back, transplant it or stake it? Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicofolia) is one of my absolute favorite perennials. “Tiger Eyes” reaches about 6 feet tall and wide at maturity, so it needs to be planted behind the Russian sage, which typically grows 3 to 4 feet at maturity. The foliage remains a healthy and vibrant dark green color, and plants grow 10 to 12 inches high. Susan Lundman began writing about her passions of cooking, gardening, entertaining and recreation after working for a nonprofit agency, writing grants and researching child development issues. He recommends Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergil), a 2- to 6-foot-tall and equally wide shrub that grows in USDA zones 5a through 10b. Taller varieties are great for the back of the border. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. For instance, you could contrast cool, blue flowers with a yellow shrub like cinquefoil (Potentilla neumanniana) in USDA zones 1 through 10b. Learn the two best techniques to cut back Russian sage in spring. The Russian sage is also not only loved for its blue-grey flowers, but for the lack of maintenance that is required. pair well with Russian sage in all sorts of ways. In fact, Russian sage thrives in dry soil and rarely needs watering once established. Russian sage does not need any shade, even in warm climates. Sign up for our newsletter. Russian sage is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub, making it a great choice for xeriscaping. Its compact growing shape contrasts with the looser shape of Russian sage. Russian sage thrives in full sun in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5b through 10b and is drought tolerant. Often what seems like the flowers on Russian sage are actually the calyx,a tube that protects the flowers from damage before they bloom. The Russian sage is a popular plant for home gardens with warm climates, particularly sandy soils with low amounts of moisture. The rounded, multipetaled rose flowers contrast with the spiky stems of Russian sage, and the warm reds, pinks, magentas and yellows of roses contrast with the cool blue of Russian sage. How to Grow Russian Sage. The blooms have darker markings from the upper petal into the tube. If you want to focus on a cool garden with shades of blues and purples, pair Russian sage with blue beard, also called blue-mist (Caryopteris x clandonensis “First Choice”). The warm, golden color of this deciduous shrub contrasts with the cool blue of the Russian sage. Take cuttings in early summer for propagation by cutting a stem about 4 to 6 inches long, right below a leaf node. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches. And although the common name is ‘Russian Sage’ this is a plant that is originally from Afghanistan. These flowers are tall and airy, creating a lavender-blue cloud of color. Although commonly known as Russian sage, the seven known species of this plant are not native to Russia but grow in an area stretching from … While it's a drought-tolerant plant, it may need supplemental water. It is similar in resemblance, with square stems and opposite blue-green leaves. Because Russian sage plants can grow quite bushy and large, it would seem that using a root dividing technique would be the quickest and easiest way to propagate. This encourages new growth and a fresh flush of flowers. Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Plant taller roses behind Russian sage. With its airy spires of small, purple-blue flowers and finely-cut, gray-green foliage on upright, grayish-white stems, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds a haze of color to the garden from midsummer into fall, blending well with just about any other flower color. While allowing the stems and seed pods to remain in the garden until spring creates winter interest, if you prefer a tidier appearance, you can cut the stems back to a foot (.3 m.) above the ground. Plant Russian sage in the spring to give its dense, woody root system time to establish before winter arrives. Russian sage is a slow grower and does not spread, creating a woody structure of stems at the base of the plant. Native to Afghanistan, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) gets its name because its gray-green leaves produce an aromatic sagelike scent. Russian Sage plants are one of the most trouble free semi-woody shrubs around, requiring very little care if planted in a well-drained area. Too much shade, too much water, or too rich soil can cause it to stretch and lean. Bloom Time: Russian Sage is one month behind Salvia, blooming July through October. It loves sun and tolerates drought; it's deer and rabbit resistant. Silver foliage plants such as Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ears) or Artemisia illuminate shady spots where roses cast their shadows during the day. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. Do you have floppy Russian sage that is driving you crazy thinking about how to care for it? © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, editor. Among plants I have seen successfully used as underplantings, borders, and interplantings are plants with a … Water the plants occasionally during dry spells until they are established and growing. The abundant, spiky clusters of flowers bloom from late spring until autumn, almost completely obscuring the leaves. Foliage & Branching Habits: Russian Sage is also in the mint family, just like Salvia. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Propagating Russian Sage. Use it anywhere there's sun, in the middle or back of the border, in landscaping beds, or in mass plantings A white rose would also work well with Russian sage if you also plant other flowers in multiple colors alongside them. Choose shrubs by color or by shape to pair with your Russian sage, but make sure you pick a shrub that also thrives in full sun. 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Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It looks great with roses or black-eyed susans. Russian sage forms a purple haze in gardens starting in mid- to late summer with its purple spires of bloom. Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring. Dividing the clumps every four to six years reinvigorates the plants and helps to control their spread. Foot-long flower heads infuse strong drama into plantings. The straight species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. Inside the tube is a clean white color. Cut your Russian sage back to about 4 inches above the ground. ‘Little Spire’ Russian sage is a smaller version, reaching a tidy 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. It is completely different from culinary sage ( Salvia officinalis ) and you do not cook with it. Light up your late summer garden with the silvery foliage and lavender blue spires of gorgeous, no fuss, easy care Russian sage. Lundman received her M.A. With semi-woody stems, this member of the mint family is drought tolerant and trouble-free. Yvonne Cunnington, author of “Basic Gardening” and the Flower Gardening Made Easy website, pairs her Russian sage with staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina “Tiger Eyes”). She has written professionally for six years since then. Russian sage is a durable plant suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, but plants in containers are less cold hardy. If your plants tend to flop during the summer you can cut them a second time. Lilies would be a nice partner for the Russian sage. If you would like to apply mulch around the plants, gravel is a better choice than organic mulch because it allows better moisture evaporation. Russian sage looks very good with plants that have yellow, pink or red flowers. Use Russian sage as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant. flourish beside tall grasses and native shrubs. Jul 24, 2016 - Explore Julie Ratio's board "landscape ideas - Russian Sage" on Pinterest. It can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide and is good for firescaping. Its long blooming period is valued by those who seek a flower bed that remains in bloom throughout the growing season. Scatter a handful of general-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant every other year in late fall. Flowers: Russian Sage always has lavender purple flowers. If you are growing the straight species of Russian sage … In the case of the Russian sage, the calyx is covered in coar… Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. Taller varieties are great for the back of the border. If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. The fuzzy flowers are whorled around silver-gray stems, forming an unusual and eye-catching scene. This bush produces panicles of small, bluish-lavender flowers throughout the summer. Where to plant: A sunny spot in well-drained soil is all this plant asks for, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. P. Allen Smith, author of “Colors for the Garden,” likes an expanse of lime green or chartreuse behind purple and blue flowers. Highly placed among the favorite rose companion plants are Nepeta (Catmint), hardy Salvia (Sage) and Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender), whose exquisite flower heads contrast beautifully with the billowing pink, red, yellow or white roses. Several Russian sage varieties are available on the market. How to Prune the Rosa Persian Yellow Rose, How to Decorate Your Room With a Red Roses Theme, Flower Gardening Made Easy: Russian Sage – Terrific Long-Blooming Blue Flowers, Fine Gardening: Caryopteris × Clandonensis "First Choice" (Blue Beard, Blue-Mist Shrub). Perhaps its best feature is its long stems that are smothered with its striking flowers and small leaves. North of USDA Zone 6, provide a 2-inch (5 cm.) Blue Spires Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spires') - This is a particularly popular variety of Russian Sage and boasts dark blue flowers over many months. Roses (Rosa spp.) “Aurea” grows 2 to 3 feet tall and would work well next to a Russian sage, while “Limeglow" grows to 5 feet tall and would work well in the back of your garden border. Pink roses planted with nepeta Walkers Low. Russian sage combines well with coarse-foliage flowers, such as coneflowers, phlox and Knock Out roses. The flowers themselves are actually very small bluish purple in color with a four lobed upper petal and a smaller lower petal. However, pruning the plants during the proper seasons will ensure that you have larger growths and blooms for longer periods of time. It will bloom all summer long and provide a screen of purple in the garden. Proper spring Russian sage pruning prepares the way for a spectacular flower show. Gardens with one color theme benefit from the addition of a few contrasting colors mixed in to brighten the garden. Learning how to grow Russian sage plants is easy, as is Russian sage care. Climbing rose interplanted with white clematis. Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage The perfect companion to roses, this perennial offers fragrant gray-green foliage below long, slender wands of blue blooms from midsummer to mid-fall. Watering care for Russian sage plants is minimal. Unlike previous cultivars, this variety is resistant to many of the pests and … At maturity, it can create offsets (‘mini’ plants with partially developed root systems) at its base. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Rose Garden Companion Plants. Roses (Rosa spp.) Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Russian Sage is drought tolerant and mostly disease free with several distinctive features. Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. I have 16 Russian sage coming in. What Should Be Planted With Knock Out Roses? It also is a great companion to ornamental grasses. Not to be outdone by its flowers, the plant's stems and foliage make a strong statement of their own, perhaps even outstrippi… With protection in harsh winter climates, gardeners in all USDA plant hardiness zones can grow roses if they have at least four hours of full sun. In the wild, roses (Rosa spp.) One of the toughest drought-tolerant perennials, Russian sage offers fragrant silvery foliage and plumes of violet-purple blooms. Knock Out roses and Russian sage combines and underplanting Whitespire birch. Roses. Russian sage is a large, billowy plant with airy purple flowers that slowly reach their full, intense color in summer. Remove leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting. Used in the general garden border, Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia ) can also be used as a low hedge plant. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. ‘Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. This multistemmed perennial has branching sprays of lavender-blue flowers. layer of pine needles over winter and remove them in spring when new growth emerges. It does well in USDA zones 1 through 10a in full sun. Make it part of the border now, attracting hummingbirds and repelling pests! Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! “First Choice” grows 3 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide in USDA zones 5 through 9. Monarda Balmy Rose begins blooming in midsummer, continuing through the remainder of the season. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) forms clouds of tan color that softly mingle with rose blooms, while the misty lavender-blue tints of Perovskia (Russian Sage) add a taste of late summer.