List 10 – Perovskia atriplicifolia
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage)
Family: Lamiaceae
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Size:
- 2-4 ft
- 3-5 ft tall
Form:
- Upright; sprawling; open
Soil & Water requirements:
- Dry to medium moisture
- Well-drained
- Drought tolerant
Exposure:
- Full sun
- In less than full sun, the plant tends to become floppy
Leaves:
- Dissected, grey-green leaves
- Back of leaves lighter than fronts
- Fragrant
- Upright, stiff stems
- More or less evergreen
Flowers:
- Showy, small, lavender/blue flowers on spires
- Terminal flowers
- Bloom period: July to October
Maintenance:
- Low
- Cut foliage down to 30cm in fall or winter to promote fresh summer growth
Suitable uses:
- Perennial border; long summer bloom
- Vertical accent
- Rock garden
- Mass planting
- Container planting
- Cut flowers
- Cottage garden
- Highway median
Potential pairings:
- Colour compliments: greys, greens, purples, whites
- Colour contrasts: pink, yellow, orange
- Nasella tenuissima (Mexican feather grass); Allium sphaerocephalon (drumstick allium);
Attracts:
- Butterflies
Other:
- Tolerant of air pollution
- Airy character
- Suggested spacing: 90cm apart
- Sub-shrub; woody base