❚ All products chosen independently by our writers. We may receive commission via affiliate links. See affiliates FAQs.

Russian sage flowers

How to grow Russian sage

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 23 September 2022 at 2:42 pm

Advice on growing and caring for Russian sage, in our Grow Guide.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesCut Backyes**yes

Save

Plant Size:

Height: 120

Spread: 100

This article has been checked for horticultural accuracy by Oliver Parsons.

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is an attractive, low-maintenance subshrub with silvery-grey foliage and tall stems of lavender-purple flowers from late summer to early autumn. From a distance it looks like a mass of hazy blue, which deepens as it matures.

It makes a great addition to herbaceous borders and gravel gardens, and works well growing alongside other drought-tolerant plants, including eryngiums, rudbeckias and echinaceas. The flowers are a magnet for pollinating insects.

How to grow Russian sage

Grow Russian sage in full sun in well-drained soil. Prune hard each year from mid- to late spring to encourage strong, new growth that will carry flowers later in the year.

Where to grow Russian sage

Kniphofias and perovskia growing together in a border

Kniphofia and perovskia growing together in a border

Grow Russian sage in well-drained soil in full sun. It works well in dry gardens and gravel gardens.

How to plant Russian sage

Plant Russian sage at the same depth it was in its pot. To help it establish, water well in the first couple of weeks after planting.

How to care for Russian sage

Watering a pot planted with Russian sage, hebe and anemone

Watering a pot planted with Russian sage, hebe and Japanese anemone

There's very little need to water or feed Russian sage, as it's extremely tolerant of drought and thrives in poor soils. Being related to mint – which is known for its invasiveness – Russian sage can spread beyond the space you have allocated for it, so keep its growth in check by removing runners as and when you see them. Rejuvenate plants by dividing them every three to five years.

In cooler regions, Russian sage may need winter protection, although don't be alarmed if some top growth dies back – you'll be pruning this back in spring anyway.

How to prune Russian sage

Russian sage is a woody subshrub. As it flowers on new wood, cut back hard in spring to encourage new growth (and therefore flowering stems) to form. Wait for the first signs of growth, and then simply cut back to around 20cm from the ground.

How to propagate Russian sage

Russian sage can spread very slowly by runners, but the offshoots do not transplant easily. However it does divide easily, so propagate new plants by division in spring or autumn.

Pests and diseases

Russian sage has no known pests or diseases in the UK.

Advice on buying Russian sage

Russian sage does best in full sun so ensure you have the right spot for it before buying
You may find Russian sage in a garden centre, but you'll have more options online
Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting

Where to buy Russian sage

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.