(image from google images)

Common name: Russian sage

Size, form, texture: height 3-5 ft, spread 2-4 ft, woody perennial.

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: zone 5-9, native to the Himalayas and western China, grows in average, dry to medium, well drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant, flops in any shade, can be cut back to ground in early spring.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: Lavender blue blooms in July to October, finely dissected grey green leaves, aromatic and edible.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape:  Long summer bloom for perennial border, good in herb gardens, contrasts nicely with both pink (roses, mallow, phlox) and yellow (rudbeckia).