Russian Sage differentiates from Salvia with its fern-like foliage. It grows quite long and will spread out low, hanging heavy towards the ground. Size & Growth: Russian Sage is shrub-like, with woody stems, and matures to about 3 feet tall and about 3 or more feet wide!
Is Russian sage part of the Salvia family?
Until 2017, Russian sage was known botanically as Perovskia atriplicifolia. It was reclassified as Salvia yangii to reflect its inclusion in the Salvia genus. As a member of the mint family, this plant can spread quickly and grows well in temperate climates.
Is sage different from Salvia?
SageLower classifications
What is another name for Russian sage?
Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/pəˈrɒvskiə ætrɪplɪsɪˈfoʊliə/), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.
Is Russian sage the same as regular sage?
Russian Sage is not a salvia, or true sage, but the grey-green of its foliage, its aromatic qualities and purple flowers are certainly similar to that large genus.
Do hummingbirds like Russian sage?
Russian sage is a hummingbird’s favorite because of the multitude of blooms and the shape of the flowers. It produces a nice fragrance that can attract humans too! This plant blooms mid to late summer and provides food for the hummingbirds during that time.
Should you cut back Russian sage in the fall?
Is it best to cut Russian sage back in fall or spring? Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness.
Is salvia a sun or shade?
Most salvias prefer full sun and well-drained soils, but some will bloom well in part shade. Once established, most salvia species are quite drought-tolerant and require little care. Excessive water and fertilizer can increase fungal disease problems for salvias. Most salvias prefer slightly acidic soils.
What do you do with salvias in the winter?
Salvias may be lost over the winter if the soil is very cold and wet, so take cuttings at the end of the summer to insure against winter losses. Alternatively, grow tender varieties in pots and keep in a frost-free spot over winter. Wait until late spring to cut old growth back.
Are all salvias perennials?
While most salvia species are technically perennials, some of the most popular are more often planted as annuals in colder regions. The majority of salvia plants are known for their long bloom period, which sometimes can extend from late spring into fall.
Does Russian sage repel mosquitoes?
Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away.
Do you cut back Russian sage in the winter?
In areas with mild winters, tackle pruning Russian sage after flowers fade and when winter settles in. You can give plants a hard prune at this point, cutting plants to 6 to 12 inches tall, if you don’t want to see stems all winter long. Otherwise, wait to do a hard prune in late winter or very early spring.
Are there different types of Russian sage?
There are seven species of Perovskia, but P. atriplicifolia is the only one commonly available. [There is some confusion in the nursery trade, and plants sold as this species may actually be a hybrid between P.
What is Russian sage good for?
Russian Sage
Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever. Herbalists recommend letting the tea cool, then soaking it up with a towel and using it as a compress for the forehead.
What is the best variety of Russian sage?
Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spires (Blue Spires Russian Sage) is the best large growing Russian Sage selection blooming with dark blue flower spikes appearing in mid-summer. Thought to be a hybrid of two species, this plant has amazing vigor and blooms for many months.
Will Russian sage spread?
Spacing: Space Russian sage 24” apart at planting time to allow for the eventual wide growth of the plant. Russian sage is a slow grower and does not spread, creating a woody structure of stems at the base of the plant.
What is the hummingbird’s favorite flower?
Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular tend to produce the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.
Which salvia do hummingbirds prefer?
bright red salvia
The bright red salvia is best for hummingbirds but we have seen them visiting other colors often such as the purple salvia and mixed salvia. All Salvia Sage has a high nectar count needed by hummingbirds. So, planting any variety of Salvia Sage for hummingbirds will supply their needed nectar.
Do bees like Russian sage?
Russian sage: Honey bees, small carpenter bees and leafcutting bees collect the nectar of this perennial garden plant. The nectar also attracts hummingbirds.
How do you keep Russian sage blooming?
If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. This encourages new growth and a fresh flush of flowers.
How long does Russian sage live?
How long does a Russian sage plant live? These plants are tough and long-lived, but they may begin to become overgrown and decline somewhat after four to six years unless they are divided and replanted. With regular division, however, you can keep plants growing indefinitely.