Russian Sage (Cultivar)
Herbaceous perennial growing 90-150 cm tall with woody base. Features deeply cut, aromatic gray-green foliage and tall spikes of small lavender-blue flowers blooming mid-summer through fall. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. Deer-resistant due to aromatic foliage. Excellent for dry gardens, herb gardens, and xeriscape plantings. Not native to North America but widely naturalized.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Lavender-Blue
Bloom Time: Mid-Summer to Fall
Sun Requirements: Sun
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Growth emerges from woody base in May. Aromatic foliage fully developed by June. Lavender-blue flower spikes appear July-September. Seeds mature September-October. Dies back to woody base after hard frost.
Wildlife Value: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects; aromatic foliage deer resistant; provides late-season color
Habit Over Time: Creates upright, airy clumps with silver-gray foliage and cloud-like flower spikes. While it may self-seed, individual plants maintain clear boundaries and do not spread vegetatively. The woody base persists for years while herbaceous stems die back annually in cold climates. Provides good structural contrast in perennial plantings.
Height: Medium to Tall (3-5 feet)