Which Russian Sage Is Best?

The top-rated Russian sages were ‘Blue Jean Baby’, BLUE SPRITZER™, ‘Blue Steel’, ‘Denim ‘n Lace’, and LITTLE LACE™.

Are there different kinds of Russian sage?

There are seven species of Perovskia, but P. atriplicifolia is the only one commonly available. [There is some confusion in the nursery trade, and plants sold as this species may actually be a hybrid between P.

What is the shortest variety of Russian sage?

Lacey Blue
Lacey Blue, Little Lace and CrazyBlue are the shortest at 15 to 18 inches.

Is Russian sage a good plant?

Most varieties reach 2-3 feet tall and wide, though some can be larger. Russian sage has good heat and drought tolerance, making it suitable for waterwise landscapes. This versatile perennial plant is useful as filler in a mixed border and can also be planted as hedging, massed in the landscape, or in containers.

Where should Russian sage be planted?

full sun
Russian sage needs full sun to perform its best. Give it a little shade, and plants tend to flop open as stems stretch for sunlight. Choose a location with hot, intense sun, even as hot as the space between sidewalk and street or a strip along a driveway.

What looks good next to Russian sage?

Cheat Sheet. Russian sage attracts butterflies and bees and is dramatic as an unsung cut flower. Combines perfectly with other low water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses, even pairs nicely with bold leafed succulents like large agaves and aloes.

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.

Should Russian sage be cut back in the fall?

Russian Sage Pruning
Plants shouldn’t be pruned in the fall, since this could encourage early growth that is susceptible to frost damage, advises Arbor Valley Nursery. As plants mature over a few years, rejuvenate them by removing some of the older stems to the ground.

How do you keep Russian sage from falling over?

1. Russian sage can flop in mid-season, once it has attained the bulk of its normal height. Partial sun conditions can cause the plant to “stretch” a bit, looking for the sun.
2. The plants like a full day of sun when they can get it.
3. There are supports available that consist of a ring that has a grid in it.

Do you cut back Russian sage winter?

At the end of the flowering season in cold regions, when flowers have faded and a killing frost has occurred, clip Russian sage stems back to 18 inches. Or skip this pruning and leave stems intact through winter to add interest to winter garden scenery.

Does Russian sage repel mosquitoes?

Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Lavender is also popular, especially for indoors, but Gaskins said it also serves as a repellent.

Does Russian sage have invasive roots?

Russian sageshould be very near the top of that list for all that it adds to the landscape – color, texture, pollinators and presence. Though it isn’t a native plant, it is not invasive and will stay where you plant it for many years – as long as you give it the well-drained conditions it needs.

How quickly does Russian sage grow?

Russian Sage Growing Tips
You can start Russian sage from seed, but you will need to be patient. Germination can take up to four months. In the meantime, you will need to keep the seeds continually moist and warm. Once they do germinate, it can be a few years before they are large enough to begin flowering.

Should you deadhead Russian sage?

Trimming & Pruning: Deadheading will not affect bloom time for Russian sage, however it should be cut back each year in early spring to approximately 12-15” above the ground. In the winter landscape it is a visual bonus, offering a ghostly, airy appearance on frosty mornings.

How do you winterize Russian sage?

How to Winterize Russian Sage

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

Does Russian sage smell like lavender?

Depending on the location of the plant, where the foliage is borne, and the variety, the leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of the Russian sage plant are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well.

Should you fertilize Russian sage?

Russian sage does not require much fertilizer either, but it will need a small amount of nutrients very seldomly. Every other year, around late fall, amend your soil with a handful of general purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost.

Do butterflies like Russian sage?

The most popular of the butterfly friendly plants are Milkweed and Russian Sage. If you plant these perennials in your garden, you can create a butterfly haven. Russian Sage attracts butterflies with it’s fragrant foliage while milkweed is actually essential to the diet of the Monarch butterfly.

Should Russian sage be cut back in the spring?

Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. 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.

Is Russian sage toxic to dogs?

Purple and pretty, Russian Sage is a great fall plant, and considered nontoxic to pets.

How do you keep Russian sage under control?

Russian sage plants will grow large when well irrigated. If the irrigation is limited, the plant will not grow as large, but will still produce flowers. Fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer, will encourage growth. Limit the nitrogen fertilizer that you give the plant.