Perovskia atriplicifolia
Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub. Although not a member of Salvia, the genus of other plants commonly called sage, it is closely related to them. It has an upright habit, typically reaching 0.5–1.2 m tall, with square ste…
What do you do when Russian sage stops 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.
Can You Plant Russian sage in summer?
You can also plant them later in the summer as long as you get them in the ground six weeks before a hard frost. If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
What does Russian sage look like when it blooms?
When fully in bloom it looks like a lavender-blue haze. Russian sage is reliably hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9. Plants grown in Zone 4 may need some winter protection, but as long as the roots survive, your plants should send out new growth in the spring.
Does Russian sage die in winter?
Russian sage is a woody subshrub. Although its branches are woody, like a shrub, the top portion of the plant may die back in cold winters. Since it blooms on new wood, Russian sage is often treated as a perennial plant.
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How do you keep Russian sage blooming?
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. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. This encourages new growth and a fresh flush of flowers.
How Long Does Russian sage bloom for?
2 monthsRussian sage blooms for up to 2 months. Plant Russian sage in full sun and well-drained soil, spacing the plants about 18 inches apart.
Does Russian sage stay green all year?
As Russian sage matures through the growing season, stems shift from being green, tender and succulent to having a woody component. Garden experts call this type of perennial flower a semi-woody perennial or shrubby perennial.
What time of year does Russian sage bloom?
One of the tallest Russian sages, growing to about 4 feet. The flower spikes alone are nearly a foot long and smothered with clusters of violet-blue blossoms from midsummer into fall. This new variety will flower the first year from seed if sown in early spring.
What happens if you don't prune Russian sage?
If you don't prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn't look very nice. What is this? It's also important to know that Russian sage won't grow back at the tips of the plant after the winter, and the branches die back towards the bottom of the plant.
What is the longest blooming sage?
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland' (Sage) Award-winner, Sage 'Ostfriesland' or 'East Friesland' (Salvia Nemorosa) is noted for its compact form, long-lasting blooming season, purple stems and rich, violet-purple flowers appearing in early summer and lasting throughout the summer.
What does Russian sage look like in the winter time?
The bluish-lavender blooms appear in autumn, attracting butterflies and honeybees to the garden. Even in winter, the plant's silvery stems and upright shape, extending to heights of 3 to 5 feet at maturity, adds interest to the home landscape.
Are you supposed to cut Russian sage back?
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. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape.
Do you cut Russian sage down in the winter?
Although some gardeners cut back their Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) plants in the fall, it is better to leave the plant over the winter and cut them back in the spring. This provides winter interest in your garden.
Does Russian sage need to be cut back in spring?
4:375:53How to Prune Russian Sage in Spring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use this method on Russian sage every growing season. And will keep everything looking freshMoreYou can use this method on Russian sage every growing season. And will keep everything looking fresh and clean. All right that's the second method if you're going to use that method make sure that you
What looks good next to Russian sage?
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.
How often should Russian sage be watered?
Newly planted Russian sage plants need to be watered about once a week until the soil is moist to a depth of about 1 inch. When the plants are established -- typically after a year in their new location -- watering only needs to be done in cases of extended drought.
What does Russian sage look like in the winter time?
The bluish-lavender blooms appear in autumn, attracting butterflies and honeybees to the garden. Even in winter, the plant's silvery stems and upright shape, extending to heights of 3 to 5 feet at maturity, adds interest to the home landscape.
Should you let your sage bloom?
Generally, these plants are grown for their edible foliage, and many gardeners choose to pinch off the flowers. This encourages plants to use their energy to produce tender leaves instead of seeds. If you let your plants bloom, cut back below the start of the bloom stalks once they fade to encourage new growth.
Does Russian sage need deadheading?
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.
Should you cut Russian sage down 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 Russian Sage?
Admired for its silvery gray, fragrant foliage as much as its lavender-purple flowers, Russian sage ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) makes a bold statement in the garden. The abundant, spiky clusters of flowers bloom from late spring until autumn, almost completely obscuring the leaves. Use Russian sage as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant. Learning how to grow Russian sage plants is easy, as is Russian sage care. It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping.
How to grow Russian Sage?
Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Set out new plants in early spring , spacing them 2 to 3 feet (0.5-1 m.) apart. Water the plants occasionally during dry spells until they are established and growing.
Can you grow Russian Sage in open areas?
Use Russian sage as a ground cover for open areas or as a specimen plant. Learning how to grow Russian sage plants is easy, as is Russian sage care. It prefers very dry conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping.
How long does Russian Sage last?
Barely reaching knee height, this dwarf Russian Sage is ideal for small gardens or displaying at the front of the border. Despite its shorter stature, it boasts exceptionally large lavender-blue flowers that go on for months, lasting well into fall.
What is Russian Sage used for?
Garden uses: With its open, airy nature, Russian sage is an excellent filler, enhancing whatever it’s planted with and providing cool contrast to boldly colored plants. Plant it in mass to amplify the purple pyrotechnics.
How big do sage plants get?
2 to 4 feet tall & wide, depending on variety; newer cultivars grow in the 2-1/2-foot range
How tall is a Russian Sage?
One of the tallest Russian sages, growing to about 4 feet.
What to cover plants with in winter?
Rarely daunted by harsh winters; but in colder zones, cover plants with a layer of mulch for extra protection.
When do sage plants bloom?
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall. This new variety will flower the first year from seed if sown in early spring. Given the right conditions, the fast-growing seeds will germinate in just a few days. Forms a densely branched, bushy plant that bears an abundance of small blue flowers on strong, silvery stems.
Where is the Perovskia native to?
Despite the common name, it is native to western China, Afghanistan, and Tibet. The Russian connection is to the genus name Perovskia, which honors l9th-century Russian general V.A. Perovsky.
What is a sage in summer?
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. 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.
What does Russian Sage look like?
Foliage: Russian sage grows as a many stemmed clump. The foliage is finely cut gray-green leaves that are slightly scented. Flowers: Each stem ends with long, thin flower panicles. When fully in bloom it looks like a lavender-blue haze.
What is a perovskia?
Perovskia Atriplicifolia - An End-of-Summer Stunner in the Flower Garden. 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.
How long does it take for a Russian Sage to germinate?
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.
How big is Russian Sage?
They will start off growing tall and bend over under the weight of the flowers. Newer hybrids are sturdier and remain upright. Most will reach a mature size of 4 ft. (H) x 3 ft. (W).
How tall is a Perovskia?
Perovskia "Little Spire": a dwarf variety that only gets about 2 ft. tall.
How much space do you need to plant Russian Sage?
If you are planting more than one, be sure to give each plant at least 2 - 3 ft. of space. They will quickly fill the space. These plants are very easy to grow. They tolerate poor soil, drought, and a wide range of soil pH. Although Russian sage is extremely drought tolerant, new transplants will need regular water.
