Russian Sage Salvia yangii

Russian sage is an erect, perennial shrub that has a woody base and is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. This clump-forming plant reaches 2 to 4 feet tall and wide at maturity. The stems are sturdy, stiff, upright, and squared. The leaves are grayish-silvery green, tomentose, finely dissected, and aromatic when crushed. From June to October, the plant produces whorled, two-lipped, tubular purple flowers on tall many-branched panicles. The sepals of the flowers are covered with white and purple hairs. 

This perennial shrub is native to Southwest to Central Asia where it grows in the hills and grasslands.

The genus name, Salvia, is derived from the Latin term salveo, which means ‘be well’ and refers to the plant's medicinal properties. The former genus name, Perovskia, honors a Russian general from the 1800s, V. A. Perovski.  The former epithet, atriplicifolia, means leaves like saltbush. The common name, Russian sage, is misleading since it is not a native of Russia.

This plant prefers full sun in well-drained, occasionally dry soil. Poorly drained or wet soils should be avoided. The plant flowers best and is less likely to flop over if it is grown in full sun. It also performs best in dry arid conditions. Cut back stems to several inches above the ground in early spring to stimulate good seasonal growth. Rangy plants can also be cut back to 12 inches after the first hard frost in the fall. Propagate this sage by leaf cutting or seed.

The grayish-green leaves of Russian sage have a pungent menthol scent that is apparent when they are crushed or brushed against. This plant has showy blue to purple flowers that bloom in the summer through the fall. Cultivars such as 'Longin', 'Blue Spire', and 'Blue Mist' are superior to seed-grown plants.

Use it in perennial beds, drought tolerant gardens, and as a filler plant. The tall, clear blue flower spikes lend a cool, airy look to the garden and the pleasant scent from the crushed leaves makes it at home in a sensory garden or planted near a walkway or patio where its fragrance can be enjoyed. In the winter, the gray silvery stems remain with sparse foliage and add interest to the winter landscape. 

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer and Fall     Foliage:  Spring, Summer, and Fall      Stems:  Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• Stems grayish, square, bearing opposite leaves
• Leaves elliptic, pinnately dissected, grayish-silver, and tomentose
• Small zygomorphic flowers are borne in an elongated panicle
• Inflorescence interrupted between fascicles of flowers

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Russian sage has no serious insect or disease problems. As the growing season progresses, the plant tends to sprawl or flop over.  Some cultivars have shown a fair amount of resistance to phytophthora and pythium root rot (where fair is defined as less than half the plants studied dying of the disease). See Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot in the Landscape.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Salvia.