Russian Sage
A Haze of Blue for Hot Spots
Russian Sage (Perovskia) is the ultimate plant for hot, dry, sunny neglect. It features silvery, dissected foliage and tall, airy sprays of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer into fall. From a distance, it looks like a soft blue cloud. It is incredibly tough and deer-resistant.
Why You Need It:
- Drought Proof: Thrives in baking sun and dry soil (like driveway strips).
- Long Blooming: One of the longest blooming periods of any perennial.
- Texture: The fine, airy texture contrasts beautifully with bold leaves like Coneflower.
Planting Tips:
Requires Full Sun and well-drained soil. Do not fertilize it, or it will flop over. Cut it back hard (to 6 inches) in early spring to keep it compact and tidy.
Type
Well-Adapted
benefits
Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant
Attracts:
Bees, Hummingbirds
Soil Type
Well-Drained / Sandy
Sun Light
Full Sun
Our Landscape Designer's Take
The Deer-Proof Solution: In areas with heavy deer pressure (like wooded lots in Niles or Galien), Russian Sage is a lifesaver. Deer hate the herbal scent and fuzzy texture, so they leave it alone completely. We use it to create a "haze" of purple-blue color that lasts from mid-summer all the way to October.
Design Pairing: Its airy, transparent texture looks amazing when planted in front of solid, heavy plants like Ornamental Grasses or Ninebark. It softens the look of stone retaining walls and walkways, spilling over the edges to create a relaxed, cottage-garden feel.
