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Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire - Russian Sage

Perovskia x atriplicifolia Blue Spire
Russian Sage, Afghan Sage

4,2/5
119 reviews
23 reviews
10 reviews
11 reviews
16 reviews

Tolerates drought very well.

Franck, 25/10/2024

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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A small bush that forms a large clump of stems where a summer flowering persists in thin spikes loaded with lavender blue flowers, of rare generosity. Its thin, toothed foliage, grey to white, very aromatic, reflects excellent adaptation to dry summers. Hardy, sober and frugal, airy, bright, it fits everywhere in sunny flower beds, in well-drained soil.
Flower size
30 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
80 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -18°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October
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Flowering time June to September
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Description

The Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire', also known as Russian Sage or Afghan Lavender, is a small bush cultivated for its exceptional abundance of lavender blue flowers and its aromatic foliage. On this plant with white and flexible stems, which resembles a very large lavender from a distance, numerous spikes loaded with small intensely bright flowers emerge for 3 months in the bright light of summer. In addition to the visual pleasure, there is olfactory curiosity: its small hairy leaves leave a fragrance on the fingers that is as complex as it is powerful. This Perovskia, essential in a dry or non-irrigated garden, will bring to all flower and shrub beds the indispensable blue and soothing note that is often lacking in summer.

 

Probably resulting from the cross-breeding between Perovskia abrotanoides and Perovskia atriplicifolia, often considered a large woody perennial, Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire' is a cultivar that is more vigorous than its parents, very interesting for the quality and duration of its flowering. It is an aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, which includes, among others, other highly scented plants such as thyme, sage, lavender, and mint. Its two presumed parents are native to the arid mountains of Iran and Turkmenistan for the first, and Afghanistan, or even southern Siberia for the second. 'Blue Spire' is a plant that is resistant to both dryness and cold, with vegetation that disappears in winter.

At maturity, after 4 years of cultivation, this slightly spreading bushy shrub will reach a height of approximately 1.20 m (3.9 ft) when flowering, with a spread of 80 cm (31.5 in). The diffuse branches emerge from the stump in spring. They are adorned with small velvety and toothed leaves, of a soft green-grey colour, which becomes even lighter as the soil becomes dry in summer. They are very aromatic and release a complex fragrance when crushed, initially evoking an animal odor, very fleeting, then a menthol aroma, ending with a sweet note that is somewhat reminiscent of lychee. Flowering occurs from June to September, or even from June to October in Mediterranean climates, with exceptional abundance. It consists of a multitude of tiny blue-mauve flowers grouped in ramified spikes at the ends of the stems. This flowering attracts and nourishes bees and bumblebees throughout the summer.

 

Perovskia Blue Spire is preferably used in shrub borders or large perennial beds. It is also found in large borders, rockeries, and low hedges. It is a plant widely used by urban landscapers in the South of France, as well as in coastal areas. It can also be grown in pots to beautify balconies and terraces. It is an absolutely essential plant in a dry garden. You can accompany it with other summer-flowering shrubs or perennials in pink, white, or yellow. Consider, for example, Gauras, Lychnis coronaria, shrubby salvias, shrubby potentillas, Epilobium canum Western Hills, Echium russicum, Oenothera drummondii. Perovskia atriplicifolia pairs very well with remontant roses. Its combination with ornamental grasses (Stipa ichu, Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw, Muhlenbergia...) is always successful in a more wild, refined, or contemporary style garden. Its dried leaves can be used to make an infusion that helps fight against aphid invasions, whiteflies, and scale insects.

 

NOTE: Attention, the branches of the shrub are dry in winter. Its branches are semi-evergreen and will be cut back to the ground in late winter. New shoots will develop from the stump in early spring.

 

Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire - Russian Sage in pictures

Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire - Russian Sage (Flowering) Flowering
Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire - Russian Sage (Foliage) Foliage
Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire - Russian Sage (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time June to September
Flower size 30 cm
Fragrance slightly scented
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour grey or silver
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased
Foliage description Highly aromatic foliage when crushed, with a scent reminiscent of sage.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 80 cm
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Perovskia

Species

x atriplicifolia

Cultivar

Blue Spire

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Russian Sage, Afghan Sage

Origin

Central Asia

Product reference81556

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Planting and care

Perovskia Blue Spire loves the sun and well-drained soils, even poor and sandy or limestone soils. A too fertile soil will result in a more significant development, but will harm the plant's density, the bush then tending to open up. Once established, it is very resistant to drought and is not afraid of slugs, insect attacks or diseases. It also tolerates coastal climates very well. A easy and rewarding bush. Its only maintenance: prune the dry stems at the end of winter, to 10 cm (3.9 in) from the ground.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Back of border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Drainant, pauvre, caillouteux

Care

Pruning instructions Cut all stems (brown and dead) to 10 cm (3.9 in) from the soil at the end of winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,2/5

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