Height:

28.0-32.0 Inches

Spread:

34.0-38.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades Silver/grey shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall Mid Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Prairie

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Not Native to North America

The ideal plant for hot, dry climates! Russian Sage is classified as a subshrub or woody perennial. It performs very well in full sun and any well-drained soil. Average to dry moisture levels are ideal, and few pests bother this plant. If pruning is necessary, do so in Spring when new growth appears. Prune back to just above the lowest bud.

Growing Temperature:

68-72° F

Soil PH:

6.0-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.0 pour through method

Fertility:

We recommend 75-100 ppm Nitrogen constant liquid feed for optimum growth at every watering, or incorporate slow release fertilizer at a rate of 1.0-1.25 lbs. per cubic yard of growing media. The recommended EC rate is 1.5-2.0 using the pour-through method.

Vernalization:

Cold beneficial. Providing 6-9 weeks of cold improves overall flower performance.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, leaf hoppers, spider mites, and whiteflies tend to be the most common pests seen on Perovskia crops. Root rot and stem blight are the most common diseases. Most diseases can be avoided using proper growing practices.

Potting & Timing:

Based on our trials, we recommend planting bare root Perovskia in spring for a quick turn crop. If you prefer small plugs, such as a 72ct plug, we recommend planting in late summer of the season prior to sales. Both bare root and summer planted plugs finish in Premium 1-gallon containers. Spring planting small plugs is not recommended, because they typically require two plugs per pot to bulk up properly. If you do choose this route, choose a smaller container to finish, such as a trade 1-gallon container.

Moisture:

For potting soil use a well-drained soil mix of bark and peat.
In the landscape, Perovskia are well-known for being drought tolerant. In production, grow your plants moderately moist to slightly dry. Perovskia will do well with either drip irrigation or overhead irrigation. Be sure to irrigate in the morning to allow the foliage to dry by evening. Overwatering may result in root rots.

Planting Level:

Plug even with soil line. Bare root crown slightly below soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Perovskia can be toned using spray applications of 2,500-ppm daminozide (B-Nine, Dazide) or a tank mixture of 2,000-ppm daminozide plus 3-ppm uniconazole (Concise, Sumagic).

Lighting:

Perovskia is day length neutral and does not require artificial lighting to flower. However, high light levels are recommended during the growing season, as this is a full sun plant. Grow this crop under clear plastic indoors or in direct sunlight outdoors. Proper lighting will keep your plants more compact, low light levels will cause the plant to stretch.

Other Comments:

Perovskia is a very hardy perennial. The best way to overwinter them is in a minimally heated greenhouse kept slightly above freezing. They may also be overwintered outdoors under a heavy frost blanket or in an unheated greenhouse. Bait liberally for rodents over the winter and do not let plants sit wet or crown and root rots may settle in.

Awards

Michigan State University Top Performer -- 2022

Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year -- 2020

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2020

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