Perennial · Lamiaceae family
Russian sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
In short a 10-second read
Russian sage (perennial) grows to 0.8–1.5 m tall and 0.6–1.2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–September; the flowers are blue or purple. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.6–1.2 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, gravelly, loamy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–September · blue or purple
Pruning
hard rejuvenation pruning (March)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Russian sage flower?
In July–September; the flowers are blue or purple.
Does Russian sage tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does Russian sage need?
At maturity 0.6–1.2 m wide and 0.8–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 90 cm.
Does Russian sage survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 14 October 2026.
Show sources (12)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Plants For A Future
- BfN — Gefäßpflanzen
- Neobiota Austria — Neophyten der Unionsliste
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Devil Mountain Nursery
- Hare Spring Cottage Plants
- CG Floral
- Hortech
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: Slovakia
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