Why Is It Called Russian Sage?

Russian sage produces small blue flowers on long spikes. The genus was named by the Russian botanist Karelin about 1840 after B. A. Perovski, the Turkestani governor of the Russian province of Orenburg – but the plant is not native to Russia or a sage (Salvia).

Is there another name for Russian sage?

Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/pəˈrɒvskiə ætrɪplɪsɪˈfoʊliə/), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.

Is Russian sage real sage?

Russian Sage is not a salvia, or true sage, but the grey-green of its foliage, its aromatic qualities and purple flowers are certainly similar to that large genus.

Is Russian sage the same as regular sage?

When you rub the leaves of Russian Sage, you also get a minty aroma. Russian Sage differentiates from Salvia with its fern-like foliage. It grows quite long and will spread out low, hanging heavy towards the ground.

What does Russian sage symbolize?

What Is the Meaning of the Perovskia Flower? Originating from the great Lamiaceae family, Perovskia or Russian sage, also known as Afghan lavender or Afghan sage, is fearless: no drought, no insect infestation and it requires no special care.

Do hummingbirds like Russian sage?

Whether the calendar says summer or fall, flowers such as Russian sage, bee balm and sunflowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds until the first frost—and sometimes beyond. It’s important to keep flowers blooming as long as possible to help butterflies and hummingbirds later in the season.

Why do bees like Russian sage?

Russian sage: Honey bees, small carpenter bees and leafcutting bees collect the nectar of this perennial garden plant. The nectar also attracts hummingbirds. Red-flowering currant: Important nectar source for early-season butterflies.

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.

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.

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 cut Russian sage back in the fall?

Is it best to cut Russian sage back in fall or spring? Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness.

Do you cut back Russian sage for 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.

Should you cut back Russian sage?

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?

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a great fall plant. And thankfully, these pretty, purple plants are not considered toxic to pets. 9.

Can you eat Russian sage?

However, according to the “Plants for a Future Database”, Russian sage is listed as edible, as the “small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish.” I have not tried the flowers but they sound they could be a fun addition to summer salads.

Is Russian sage toxic to dogs?

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

What is the hummingbird’s favorite flower?

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular tend to produce the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

How fast does Russian sage grow?

Bare root Perovskia finish well in Premium 1-gallon containers. When planting, make sure the bare root crown is at the soil line. Spring planted bare root should finish in 6-8 weeks based on 68-72° F growing temperatures. Use a well-drained soil mix composed of bark and peat with a pH of 5.8-6.5.

What bugs do Russian sage attract?

Russian sage is also fragrant, so much so that it attracts butterflies. It stays in bloom most of the summer, so its delicate purple flowers won’t wilt and die in the hot sun–which it in fact prefers.

What does Russian sage attract?

butterflies
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.

Is Russian sage related to Salvia?

So Russian sage is Salvia yangii (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and rosemary is Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis). Our understanding of Russian sage’s native habitat remains unchanged. It’s still not from Russia, but is native to grassland areas in western China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.