Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Wikimedia Commons — Rationalobserver — CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−23.3 °C

Cultivation

Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts. A very ornamental plant. Plants rarely produce seed in Britain. The crushed leaves are very aromatic. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.

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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, July/August in a cold frame.

Edible uses

The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish.

Medicinal uses

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

Material uses

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

Habitat

Open rocky places.

Native range

E. Asia - Himalayas to China.

Scientific synonyms Salvia yangii