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Perovskia atriplicifolia Silvery Blue - Russian Sage

Perovskia x atriplicifolia Silvery Blue
Russian Sage, Afghan Sage

4,2/5
25 reviews
2 reviews
2 reviews
3 reviews
4 reviews

Receipt of 1 vine-plant out of the 3 buckets ordered. The one received is really not thick, I have doubts about its survival, to be continued. I am waiting for the balance of my order, probably in spring to have more beautiful specimens.

N Van Acker, 02/12/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

This bush is a deciduous form with almost white foliage with the compact habit of Afghan sage. This very bright bush produces aromatic and finely cut silver foliage and covers its stems all summer long with remarkably generous small flowers in a lavender blue colour. Hardy and highly drought-resistant, airy and bright, it fits perfectly into sunny beds with well-drained soil.
Flower size
20 cm
Height at maturity
50 cm
Spread at maturity
70 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 November
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Flowering time June to October
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Description

The Perovskia (x) atriplicifolia Silvery Blue is a more compact and particularly bright hybrid form of the Afghan sage, due to its almost white vegetation, a beautiful silver colour, enhancing an endless summer flowering of a very vivid lavender blue. This deciduous bush has a slightly wild appearance and a light mass, making it very striking. Its foliage emits a powerful aroma when crushed. It thrives in poor, sandy, rocky, gravelly, and stony soils, like its country of origin's dry and well-drained soils. It also requires a very sunny location. This plant is very hardy and is essential for a dry garden.

 

Probably resulting from the cross-breeding between Perovskia abrotanoides and Perovskia atriplicifolia, often considered a large woody perennial, Perovskia 'Silvery Blue' is a fairly recent cultivar, very interesting for its very light foliage and moderate growth. It is an aromatic plant from the family Lamiaceae, which also includes 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 one, and Afghanistan, or even southern Siberia for the second one. After 4 years of growth, this bush will mature at a height of 60cm (23.6 in) and a width of 70cm (27.6 in). The branches of the bush spread out and are adorned with petite, deciduous, serrated leaves, which are light grey. As the soil dries out during summer, the leaves become even whiter. These leaves are very aromatic and release a complex fragrance when crushed. Initially, they evoke an animal-like smell, which is very fleeting, followed by a menthol aroma. Finally, they end with a sweet note that reminds one of lychee.

 

The Silvery Blue Russian sage will bloom all summer in dry soil, even when the garden is ravaged by heat. In a dry garden (with sandy or rocky soil), it can be planted alongside Gauras, Lychnis coronaria, shrubby salvias, Epilobium canum Western Hills, Echium russicum, Oenothera drummondii, to create a multicoloured shrub. It pairs very well with ornamental grasses (Stipa ichu, Miscanthus, Panicum virgatum Squaw) as well as with all summer perennials, but also with botanical (Rosa complicata, Rosa hugonis, Rosa rugosa) or English roses (Rosa Morning Mist, Fighting Temeraire). An infusion of its dried leaves can combat aphids, whiteflies, and scale invasions.

 

NOTE: Attention, the branches of the bush are dry in winter. Its branches are semi-evergreen and are pruned close to the ground in winter. Young shoots will develop from the base in early spring.

Perovskia atriplicifolia Silvery Blue - Russian Sage in pictures

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

Plant habit

Height at maturity 50 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time June to October
Inflorescence Panicle
Flower size 20 cm

Foliage

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

Botanical data

Genus

Perovskia

Species

x atriplicifolia

Cultivar

Silvery Blue

Family

Lamiaceae

Other common names

Russian Sage, Afghan Sage

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference830282

Planting and care

The Perovskia Silvery Blue loves the sun and well-drained soils, even poor and sandy or limestone soils. Soil that is too fertile will result in a larger development, but will harm the density of the plant, 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. Easy and rewarding bush. Its only maintenance: prune it back in late winter.

17
14,50 € Each
6
19,50 €

Planting period

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

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 3 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, Ordinary soil, not too rich, well-drained.

Care

Pruning instructions Prune the plant in late winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Dry soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,2/5

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