Buy Russian sage ( syn. Salvia 'Blue Spire ) Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

Perovskia 'Blue Spire'

Russian sage ( syn. Salvia Blue Spire )

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With its aromatic leaves and upright spikes of violet-blue flowers, Russian sage makes a wonderful companion to all kinds of late-summer ornamental grasses and perennials. In August and September, tiny, violet-blue, tubular flowers appear on silver-grey spikes above the main framework of the plant, among deeply-cut and lobed, grey-green leaves. This deciduous sub-shrub makes a real impact planted en masse alongside a path, where the sage-like fragrance of its leaves can be appreciated, or try it alongside other silver-leaved plants, or in swathes in a sunny border. One of our recommended plants, it copes well with dry, chalky soil and salt-laden air.

How to care for Perovskia Blue Spire:

As this shrub has a tendency to flop a little, in March cut back to the permanent framework of the shrub to promote bushier growth. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.2m

Eventual spread:

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.