Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian Sage, Azure Sage PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.

Physical Characteristics

Perovskia atriplicifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers
Edible Uses:

The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish[177, 183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Febrifuge

The plant is used as a cooling medicine in the treatment of fevers[240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Hedge Hedge

This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height[200].

Special Uses

Hedge Hedge Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position[1, 11, 187, 190, 200]. Tolerates light shade but plants become more lax in habit in such a situation[200]. Succeeds in poor soils and, once established, tolerates drought[190]. Tolerant of dry chalk soils, it also succeeds in maritime gardens[200]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts[200]. A very ornamental plant[1]. In cultivation people often cut the plants to the ground in the spring in order to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers[190, 200, 233]. Plants rarely produce seed in Britain[200]. The crushed leaves are very aromatic[190]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[200]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of softwood in late spring in a frame[200]. Easy[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, July/August in a cold frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, China (Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu) TROPICAL ASIA: Pakistan

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Benth.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Perovskia atriplicifolia - Benth.