Low Maintenance Russian Sage
Add some year round beauty to the landscape with the drought tolerant Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) that’s hardy in zones 4 to 9.
The fine foliage, blue flowers and fragrance add beauty to the landscape throughout the growing season. Leave the plants stand for winter to increase hardiness, provide habitat for beneficial insects, while adding a bit of interest to the winter garden.
Prune plants back to 4 to 6 inches in late winter or early spring. If your plants tend to flop during the summer, you can cut them a second time. Prune the plants back halfway once they reach 12 inches tall.
Or purchase one of the compact varieties that won’t flop. Little Lace is 14 inches tall. Peek-a-blue is just over 2 feet tall, while Denim n lace is slightly taller at about 30 inches. If you want a bit more height but no flopping, try Little Spires, at 3 to 4 feet tall.
A bit more information: Combine Russian sage with coneflower, liatris or other drought tolerant, low maintenance plants. Or use the compact varieties as a vertical accent in large containers.
Related

Video

Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Feb. 7-9, 2025
PBS Wisconsin's
Garden & Green Living Expo
Madison, WI
Feb. 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Organic Insect Pest Management for Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
Feb. 14-16, 2025
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, WI
Feb. 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Strategies for Managing Invasive Plants
Register here
Feb. 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Create a Beautiful Shade Garden
Register here
Feb. 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
How to Select Rain Garden Plants
Register here
March 12, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Grow Pollinator-friendly Spring and Summer Flowering Bulbs
Register here
March 19, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Register here
March 22, 23, 29, 30, 2025
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 26, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Succession Planting & Crop Rotation
Register here
March 27, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Rain Garden Q & A
Register here
April 2, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Container Gardens for Sun & Shade
Register here
April 10, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Reinvigorate Your Rain Garden
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More