Will Russian Sage Grow in Phoenix?

Description

• Russian sage isn't native to Russia at all, but to Afghanistan, Iran and India. There are several species of Perovskia, all similar to each other, with Perovskia atriplicifolia most common. According to the National Gardening Association, the Russian sage currently sold in the U.S. is probably a hybrid between Perovskia atriplicifolia and Perovskia abrotanoides. Russian sage has woody stems that grow to 4 feet tall, and the flower spikes are about 12 inches long. Small purplish flowers seem to float in a cloud above the foliage and attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. In the mint family, flowers and leaves are both fragrant. In Phoenix, flowering begins in summer and lasts through the fall. Plants go dormant in winter.

Cultivars

• The species is the plant most widely available, but cultivars are being developed and are increasingly used. "Lacey Blue" is more compact, with 18- to 20-inch mounds of gray-green foliage. Its profuse blue-purple flowers are the largest flowers of any Russian sage variety. The variety "Blue Spire" offers deep purple flowers in larger masses. "Blue Mist" flowers early, with light blue flowers. "Blue Haze" also has light-colored flowers. For a more erect, formal appearance, choose "Longin." Another compact variety is "Filigrin," with bright blue flowers and deeply cut leaves. The cultivar "Heavenly Blue" is recommended for use as a low water, drought-tolerant shrub for Phoenix by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Landscaping Uses

• Russian sage is useful in a wide variety of landscapes. Use it as a ground cover, especially the compact varieties. As a border planting, it combines well with perennials that have yellow, white, pink or orange flowers. Use the Russian sage to separate the stronger flower colors. It is suitable for xeriscape and drought-tolerant gardens as well as butterfly or wildlife gardens. Try clumps of it in cottage gardens or linear plantings as dividers in more formal gardens. It provides contrast to bold elements of desert landscaping in Phoenix.

Cultivation

• Russian sage is heat and drought tolerant and needs full sun to keep its compact growth. In Phoenix, it is longer-lived and grows better with supplemental water in summer. Phoenix is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, and the National Garden Association notes that in zones 9 and 10, Russian sage may behave more like a biennial than a perennial. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service recommends pruning Russian sage back to its woody scaffold branches in early spring when new growth is beginning.