Is there a dwarf Russian Sage?

Little Spire is a dwarf version of Russian Sage Blue Spire with characteristic white stems. Its late summer fragrant blooms will bring a welcome lift of colour the garden, and are much loved by bees, so much so that the RHS has given it the Perfect for Pollinators designation!

What is the shortest variety of Russian sage?

Lacey Blue, Little Lace and CrazyBlue are the shortest at 15 to 18 inches. * Where to use: Loves Mediterranean conditions - heat, sun, gravelly soil. Ideal in butterfly or perennial gardens but also around mailboxes, on sunny banks and along western or southern foundations.

Are there different types 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.

How tall is a Russian sage?

Growth Habit: Russian sage is a tall plant, 3-5 feet in height with a spread of 2-3 feet. Gray-green foliage is reminiscent of lavender, as is the color of the flowers borne on tall panicles that have an airy, textured feel. Plants create a woody base over time that should be cut back in early spring.

What is the prettiest Russian sage?

Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spires (Blue Spires Russian Sage) is the best large growing Russian Sage selection blooming with dark blue flower spikes appearing in mid-summer. Thought to be a hybrid of two species, this plant has amazing vigor and blooms for many months.

Can Russian sage tolerate shade?

Sun and Shade: Russian sage performs best in full sun. In partial shade, the plants tend to stretch and flop over. Soil Conditions: Perovskia requires very well drained soil. Once established it is drought tolerant.

When Should Russian sage be cut back?

In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you don't want to see stems all winter long. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.

How do you keep Russian sage small?

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.

Which is better Russian sage or lavender?

Also, lavender leaves are juicier than Russian sage and very fragrant if crushed. Russian sage leaves are also fragrant but still not as intense as lavender. Because of the leaves, which contain a lot of essential oil, lavender is highly prized.

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.

How do I identify Russian sage?

Russian Sage differentiates from Salvia with its fern-like foliage. It grows quite long and will spread out low, hanging heavy towards the ground. Size & Growth: Russian Sage is shrub-like, with woody stems, and matures to about 3 feet tall and about 3 or more feet wide!

Do you cut back Russian sage 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.

What is the tallest variety of Russian sage?

The straight species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. 'Little Spire' Russian sage is a smaller version, reaching a tidy 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. 'Blue Spire' Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.

How tall does dwarf Russian sage get?

' * Size: Most grow 24 to 30 inches tall with a 2-foot spread. Lacey Blue, Little Lace and CrazyBlue are the shortest at 15 to 18 inches. * Where to use: Loves Mediterranean conditions – heat, sun, gravelly soil.

What can I plant with Little Spire Russian sage?

It associates wonderfully with other gray-leaved plants such as Lavender and contrasts beautifully with the bright colors of Echinacea (Coneflower), Helenium (Sneezeweed) and clump-forming grasses. Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears.

How tall does Blue Steel Russian sage get?

Blue Steel Russian Sage is an upright growing, 18-36 in. tall perennial with fragrant gray-green foliage, topped with blue summer flowers the first year. Growth is more restrained than other seed grown Russian sage. Blue Steel Russian sage is an ideal choice for containers or the landscape.

Is Russian sage invasive?

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.

Can you plant Russian sage and lavender together?

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 poisonous to dogs?

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

Are catmint and Russian sage the same?

Catmint is about half the size of the Russian Sage. Also, Catmint has a thinner inflorescence whereas Russian Sage has a more voluminous inflorescence. Russian Sage has blue or purple flowers and Catmint can bloom in blue, white, or pink. In addition, Catmint is hardy than Russian Sage.

Does Russian sage come back every year?

Russian Sage Plant Description

Russian sage belongs to a class of shrubs called subshrubs. New growth comes each year from a woody base, and flowering is on the new growth. Remove the old growth, which usually dies back in winter, in early spring. Plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Why is my Russian sage not blooming?

Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. This encourages new growth and a fresh flush of flowers. Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring. Dividing the clumps every four to six years reinvigorates the plants and helps to control their spread.

Why is my Russian sage falling over?

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. Such excessive growth can cause the stems to become top-heavy, and then flop. The plants like a full day of sun when they can get it.

How long does Russian sage live?

How long does a Russian sage plant live? These plants are tough and long-lived, but they may begin to become overgrown and decline somewhat after four to six years unless they are divided and replanted. With regular division, however, you can keep plants growing indefinitely.

Does Russian sage bloom all summer?

Russian sage, or Perovskia, is a late summer blooming perennial that bursts into flower like a cloud of blue. It goes from a hazy, pale blue to a jubilant azure. The long panicles of flowers become increasingly brilliant as they open. Russian sage is a woody subshrub.