Russian sage provides a great contrast to other plants with its dramatic wispy texture and blue color.
Russian sage, a hardy perennial in Zones 4-9, is a great addition to a garden.
On Russian sage flower spikes, the individual blossoms are tiny.
Peter Krumhardt.
Each flower has a four-lobed upper petal and a smaller lower petal.
Around these petals is the calyx, a tube that protects the flowers from damage before they bloom.
Russian sage also has silver-green foliage.
Credit: Hirneisen Photography
Leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge.
All parts of Russian sage are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed.
It’s been described as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents.
Credit: Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
The hotter and stronger the sun, the better.
Plant thistough perennialin well-draining soil.
If you plant during the hottest months, Russian sage could experience shock.
Credit: Jason Wilde
The best time to plant is in late spring when the soil has gotten warmer from rising temperatures.
Plant them at least 18 inches apart for air circulation and room for growth.
Dig a holeabout the same width and depth as the planting container.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Remove the plant and loosen the roots from the root ball before placing it in the hole.
Backfill with soil, tamp lightly, and water well.
Russian Sage Care Tips
Caring for Russian sage is pretty easy.
Credit: Perry L. Struse
Its drought tolerance and ability to grow in high heat make it low-maintenance.
Light
Russian sage thrives in full sun.
The hotter, the better.
Credit: Matthew Benson
As long as it has enough water to keep it alive, it excels in heat.
Then, before new growth appears, cut the stems to a few inches above the ground.
This helps keep Russian sage looking its best each year.
Credit: Mavis Augustine Torke
This will encourage a new flush of growth with denser stems.
Plant Russian sage where other plants can provide support if needed.
Potting and Repotting Russian Sage
For best results, plant containers with Russian sage in early spring.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It should be added to the containers at the same depth as the garden store pots.
Thepotting soilshould be light and well-draining, and the containers need to have drainage holes to prevent soggy roots.
Add fertilizer every few weeks to potted Russian sage.
Credit: Mavis Augustine Torke
It’s best to treat potted Russian sage as an annual in colder climates.
Repot into fresh potting mix when plants are ready for division every few years.
Pests and Problems
Because Russian sage is aromatic, most pests tend to leave it alone.
Credit: Illustration by Gary Palmer
The biggest problem Russian sage may have is root rot, so be judicious about watering.
How to Propagate Russian Sage
The most effective way to propagate Russian sage is through basal cuttings.
You do this by watching for new growth in the spring where plants were cut back the year before.
Slice off one of the new, growing stems along the root ball along with some roots.
Add the cutting to a pot filled withcactus mixor to your garden in appropriate soil.
Any Russian sage plantshould be dividedafter four to six years.
Russian Sage Companion Plants
Phlox
There are several different kinds of phlox.
Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors.
They also add height, heft, and charm to a border.
Daylily
Daylilies are easy to grow but look delicate, producingtrumpet-shaped bloomsin myriad colors.
The flowers are borne on leafless stems.
The strappy foliage may be evergreen or deciduous.
Black-Eyed Susan
Add a massedplanting of black-eyed Susanto your garden.
Tall varieties look especially appropriate among shrubs, which in turn provide support.
Add black-eyed Susans to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens for a naturalized look.
Milkweed
Brightly colored butterfly weed attractsmany kinds of butterfliesto its colorful blooms.
Monarch butterfly larvae feed on its leaves but seldom harm this native plant.
Adecorative birdbathadds a focal point.
Sometimes Russian sage will flop over.
Yes, and rabbits stay away from it too.
On the other hand, bees, birds, and butterflies are drawn to Russian sage.
Russian sage isn’t toxic.
Its aroma might be appealing to some dogs and cats who like to chew on things.
Under the right conditions, Russian sage can last 10 years or more.
However, unless they are divided and replanted, they might decline after 4-6 years.
