With its aromatic, silver-grey leaves and upright spikes of tiny, violet-blue flowers, Russian sage makes a wonderful companion to all kinds of late-summer ornamental grasses and perennials.
Perovskia 'Little Spire' is one of the smaller cultivars, so is the best choice if space is limited or you find the taller forms get too floppy.
This deciduous sub shrub makes a real impact planted en masse next to 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. It can also cope with dry, chalky soils and coastal conditions.