Russian Sage: A Guide to Growing and Care
Overview
Russian sage (Salvia yangii), formerly known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub prized for its airy, blue-purple flowers and silvery foliage. This versatile plant is well-suited to a wide range of climates and can be grown in both gardens and containers.
Cultivation
Hardiness Zones: Russian sage thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3a–9b, with some varieties surviving in zones 3 and 4 with winter protection.
Soil Requirements: This plant prefers well-drained soil, including sandy soil, but can tolerate a wide range of soil pH (6.5–8.0). It may develop root rot in dense, poorly drained conditions.
Sun Exposure: For optimal growth and flowering, plant Russian sage in full sun. Shady conditions can lead to leggy plants prone to collapse.
Water Requirements: Once established, Russian sage is very drought-tolerant and prefers medium to dry soil. It will do well in hot, dry areas of the garden. However, new transplants need regular watering to prevent drying out.
Planting: Plant Russian sage as a nursery-grown container plant in late spring when the soil is warm but before the weather becomes too hot and dry. If planting later, water frequently to keep the plants from drying out.
Care
Pruning: Many gardeners choose to prune Russian sage annually, even in regions where the plant is evergreen. Pruning encourages bushier growth and rejuvenates the plant. Hard pruning is mandatory in cold-winter zones where the plant dies back each year. Prune stems back to 8 to 12 inches in fall or early spring.
Fertilization: Russian sage does not require heavy fertilization. At most, you might provide a light layer of compost in the spring. Excessive fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can compromise flowering.
Propagation:
Basal Cuttings: After the stems have been cut back in spring, watch for new growth around the edges of the root ball. Cut away a growing stem with a healthy section of roots. Plant the cutting in porous potting mix or its new garden location. Keep the cutting moist and in a well-lit location until new growth is visible.
Division: Full division of the plants by digging up the root ball and replanting should be done every four to six years to maintain the plant’s health.
Overwintering:
Cold Regions (Zones 3 and 4): Cover the plant crowns with a thick layer of mulch for the winter to protect the roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Remove the mulch promptly in spring to prevent moisture buildup around the roots.
Warm Regions (Zones 5 and above): No winter preparation is typically necessary, other than hard pruning if desired.
Common Problems
Leggy Stems: Too much fertilizer, too little sun, or sprawling varieties can lead to leggy, floppy stems. Consider withholding fertilizer, providing more sunlight, or using staking or support to keep the plants upright.
Pests and Diseases: Russian sage is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, root rot can occur in wet, poorly draining soil.
Using Russian Sage in the Landscape
Russian sage has an airy, see-through quality that works well in mass plantings or as an effective specimen plant in mixed borders. It complements pink and yellow perennials and can be used as an edging plant along pathways. The gray-green foliage provides a contrasting texture to darker greens.
Additional Tips
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Russian sage may reproduce itself by natural layering, where stems that touch the ground may sprout roots and form new plants. These volunteers can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere.
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Named cultivars of Russian sage may not produce seeds that “come true” to the parent plant, but pure species plants can be propagated from seeds sown at any time of year.
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Russian sage is not considered invasive but may spread gradually through runners and rhizomes. Controlling its spread is not typically a major concern.
