Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is one of those wonderful plants that almost seems to thrive on neglect. It earned the Perennial Plant Association Award for Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995. It prefers full sun and fast-draining or sandy soil, but it can grow even in clay as long as it does not stand in water. Tolerant of dry soils, allow it to dry out quite a bit between waterings. During the summer, the plant produces spikes of blue flowers reminiscent of lavender. Russian sage is hardy in
Zones 5a to 9b.
Cut back in late winter to keep bushy and full for best bloom next summer. To best set off its silver color, use with contrasting colors, including other sages. It looks great when mass planted as a tall ground cover.
