- Author: Karen Metz
A friend asked me what the plant growing next to my driveway was, she said she had never seen anything like it. I looked over to see what she was talking about.The Russian Sage or Perovskia atriplicifolia was looking pretty nice that afternoon. Of course one of the reasons it was standing out is that everything else looks so brown and crinkly. In contrast, this plant was thriving on the heat and drought. It was in full bloom and had been blooming for weeks. That particular day though it was swarming with bees, the insects were also appreciating the small purple/blue flowers that appear in sprays. This plant is thought to be native to Afghanistan, Iran,Tibet and Pakistan per the Sunset Western Garden Book.
It is good in Zones 2-24 likes full sun and a variety of soils as long as it has good drainage. Dead heading helps lengthen the season. Mine has been in the ground about 2-3 years and this is its best bloom season yet. It's also the first season I tried deadheading. Sunset says I should cut the plant nearly to the ground in spring before new growth starts.
These sprays of flowers do dry well when hung upside down in a dark area, so that's another added benefit.