Russian sage, aka Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an excellent shrubby perennial for late summer interest. I grow it in my garden as do many gardeners, but the above picture is not showing my Russian sage. I sure wish it was mine! Mine is rather puny because it is growing in part sun and was newly planted just last year.Russian sage LOVES the sun and is quite drought tolerant. It does so well that it is often used in commercial plantings, such as was the case with this picture. I snapped this picture at a Taco Bell restaurant on one of my out of town travels. Have you all ever noticed Taco Bells have the best landscaping? That is another subject for another day perhaps. Can't get too off track here now.
This perennial can get quite large so be sure to leave plenty of room for it. There was a whole row of these planted in a hedge-like fashion; which I found to be both pleasant and effective in the commercial landscape. Russian sage also works in the home landscape and will make a big statement so plant it in a visible area for all to enjoy. Just make sure to give Russian sage a well drained average soil.
In my garden Russian sage does not usually die back to the ground in the winter like most herbaceous perennials. Russian sage is one of those perennials known as a 'shrubby' perennial or 'woody' perennial. Lavender and artemisia also fall in to this category. You can cut back the woody stems that do not die back in the spring. I cut mine to about 6 inches high and the plant will come back with no problem.
in the garden....
