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Lavender-blue flower plumes of Russian Sage in a sunny gardenPerennials

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Russian Sage

Russian sagedrought-tolerantbee-friendlysilver foliageMediterranean

Russian Sage is a graceful sub-shrub with silvery-grey aromatic foliage and airy lavender-blue flower plumes from July to September. The plant can reach 150 cm and gives borders a hazy, ethereal quality. Russian Sage is highly drought-tolerant and thrives on poor, dry soil.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
90–150 cm
Spread
60–90 cm
Hardiness zone
5–9
Family
Lamiaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
blue, lavender
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, preferably alkaline soil. Avoid overly moist sites — the plant rots quickly there. Water only during prolonged drought. Feeding is unnecessary and actually leads to floppy growth.

Pruning tips

Prune all stems back to 15-20 cm above ground in early spring once the first buds appear. Do not cut back in autumn — the dry stems protect the plant from frost.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Pink-purple coneflower with orange-brown cone in a sunny borderPerennials

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower is a sturdy perennial with distinctive pink-purple petals surrounding an orange-brown cone. The flowers appear from July to September and are a magnet for butterflies and bees. In autumn and winter, the seed heads attract goldfinches and other seed-eating birds.

Full sunLow60–120 cm
Pink flower heads of stonecrop with butterflies in late summerPerennials

Sedum spectabile

Stonecrop

Stonecrop is a succulent perennial with thick, grey-green leaves and flat pink flower heads from August to October. The plant is extremely drought-tolerant and attracts large numbers of butterflies and bees in late summer. The dried flower heads provide striking winter interest.

Full sunLow30–50 cm