Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Lamiaceae), now reclassified as Salvia yangii, is a woody-based perennial native to the mountains of western China and the Himalayas. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall with an upright, open habit. Aromatic, gray-green, finely cut foliage is topped by airy spikes of small lavender-blue flowers from June through October.

Russian sage demands full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and deer resistant once established. Wet winter soils are the primary cause of failure. Cut stems to the ground in early spring before new growth begins. No significant pest or disease problems are documented. It was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995. Hardy in Zones 5a to 9b.