Russian Sage is scientifically get laid asPerovskia atriplicifolia , though it has been reclassify more latterly under the genusSalviaasSalvia yangii . This reclassification was based on genetic sketch showing its close human relationship with other members of theSalviagenus in the Lamiaceae ( Mint ) phratry . The species nameatriplicifoliarefers to the contour of its leaves , which resemble those of theAtriplexgenus . This perennial works is a suffrutex , mean it has a woody foot with herbaceous growth above , devote it a singular social organisation compared to typical herbaceous perennials .
Originally , Perovskia atriplicifoliais native to Central Asia , specifically regions spanning from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Tibet and western China . It thrive in its aboriginal home ground in the steppes , hillsides , and at gamy elevations , where it can be found in teetotal , jolty soil under full sun . This environs contributes to its drought resistance and its preference for well - drained , even poor soils .
Russian Sage was introduced to westerly horticulture in the mid-19th century . Its first formal description in Western science was by George Bentham in 1848 , based on a specimen collected by William Griffith in Afghanistan . bring up after Vasily Alekseevich Perovsky , a Russian superior general and national leader , the plant became popular in European and American gardening circles due to its dauntless nature and aesthetic appeal . Its use in landscape gardening has grow over the year , especially with the introduction of cultivar like ‘ Blue Spire ’ , which have enhanced its ornamental qualities . Despite its common name , Russian Sage is not native to Russia but was named for the area ’s tie-up with Perovsky .
Russian Sage feature article slender , silvery - gray stem and redolent , grey - green , finely dissect leaves that give off a sage - like scent when crushed . Its most notable lineament is its long - long-lasting , lavender - blue heyday , which bloom from mid - summer to previous strike in longsighted , airy panicle . These flower not only bring color to the garden when many other plants have finished blooming but also attract pollinator like bees and butterfly . The plant mature to about 3 to 5 feet high and wide , forming an open , almost transparent habit that make it an first-class selection for the back of border , where it wo n’t overwhelm other works . It ’s also have intercourse for its drought tolerance , low upkeep , and resistance to deer and pests .
This plant is remarkably stout , desirable for USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9 . This kitchen stove think of it can handle wintertime lows down to -30 ° F ( -34.4 ° C ) in geographical zone 4 , up to 20 ° F ( -6.7 ° C ) in zone 9 , making it adaptable to a wide of the mark variety of climates across North America , from the colder northern states to the warmer southern area . It opt full sun but can tolerate some abstemious tint , although anthesis might be reduce in suspicious circumstance .
As a recurrent , Russian Sage has a relatively foresighted lifespan , often prevail for 10 to 15 years or more with right care . Its woody radix and the fact that it regenerates from the land each springtime bring to its longevity . However , like many perennials , its vigor can belittle over clock time if not by rights maintain . steady pruning in late winter or early outpouring just as young growth begins can boost fresh , vigorous increase , and help maintain the plant ’s form and flowering capacity . In area where it ’s not fully brave , it might die back to the ground in colder wintertime but will regrow from the origin in spring .
