Russian Sage
Salvia yangii
Russian Sage blooms from July through September.
This entry comes from our curated library and has not yet been independently checked against outside sources. Curated is not unreliable: a standing audit keeps every entry internally consistent, and the source-by-source check is working through the whole library in the open.
Growing Russian Sage
Plant it in full sun. It prefers low water. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Expect it to reach about 3.9 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 3 years.
When to plant Russian Sage
Plant Russian Sage in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 4 to 9 range, spring means March to May and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from July to September.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 6 in March.
Good to know about Russian Sage
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
It blooms on new wood, so each spring cut every stem back hard to about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in), or it grows woody and floppy. per Wisconsin and Missouri Botanical
How cold-hardy is it?
Sources split at the cold edge: Wisconsin says zones 4 to 9, others say 5 to 9. In zone 4, give it sharp drainage and a sheltered spot. per Wisconsin and NC State
Height depends on cultivar
Reported height varies with cultivar: the vigorous species reaches 3 to 5 ft, while compact selections like 'Little Spire' stay 2 to 3 ft. Pick one that fits. per Missouri Botanical and Illinois
Drainage makes or breaks it
It needs poor, gritty, sharply drained soil and tolerates alkaline ground. Wet soil, especially over winter, rots the crown and roots; good drainage carries it through. per Wisconsin
Deer and rabbit resistant
The finely cut, silvery, aromatic foliage deters browsing, and it appears on standard deer-resistant plant lists. No plant is deer-proof under severe pressure, but this one is dependable. per Clemson and NC State
Late-season pollinator magnet
The long, nectar-rich, late bloom draws bees and butterflies, with hummingbirds too, feeding pollinators when many other perennials have already finished for the year. per NC State and UC ANR
Perovskia, renamed Salvia yangii
Long sold as Perovskia atriplicifolia, it was reclassified into the genus Salvia and is now correctly Salvia yangii. Plant tags and stores still use the old name. per NC State and Wisconsin
What pairs well with Russian Sage
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Sea Thrift
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; lower at 8 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Rock Cress
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in mid spring, before this one opens; low at 4 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Creeping Sedum
Shares full sun and low water; low at 4 in, to carpet the ground beneath; opens in early summer and overlaps into this one's season; both are strong pollinator plants.
Giant Allium
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in late spring, before this one opens; both are strong pollinator plants, and they feed in different months; lower at 3 ft, for the front of the border.
Crocus
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in late winter, before this one opens; low at 4 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Thyme
Shares full sun and low water; opens in late spring and overlaps into this one's season; low at 6 in, to carpet the ground beneath; both are strong pollinator plants.
Grape Hyacinth
Shares full sun and low water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 8 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
Pansy
Takes full sun to part sun and low to moderate water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 8 in, for the front of the border; both offer pollinator forage, in different months.
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