Perovskia atriplicifolia “Blue Spire”

Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia “Blue Spire”
Type: Shrubby Perennial
Water: Moderate to Light
Exposure: Full Sun

Russian Sage is neither Russian nor a sage, but I guess the name sounded nice so they ran with it. Native to the middle east, it sports a mass of silvery stems (with a slight green tinge) that blends well with other, like-colored foliage such as the ornamental grass in the first photo, or contrasts well with darker, or reddish colored foliage. These stems are covered with aromatic leaves, and form a clump that can reach 3-4ft (90-120cm) high and wide. Summer brings abundant sprays of tiny, lavender blue flowers that form a sort of cloud of bloom, especially when planted in large groups. It spreads by underground stems, and can be rather aggressive if it likes its home. In early spring, cut the plant back almost to the ground for best results.

Cheers,

John