TIP 1: Lavender needs full sun; a minimum of 6 to 8 hours. TIP 2: Lavender does not like “wet” feet, so give it a good soak and then let the plant go dry. If your soil is heavy and slow to drain, create a hospitable place for lavenders by amending your beds with plenty of organic matter.
Go into any nursery and try to find lavender and Russian sage; they will be in the perennial section. Check these plants online or in books, and most sources will tell you they are perennials.
Are sage and lavender the same?
No, these beautiful flowers that you see in this photo are not lavender. This plant is called Perovskia Atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage and occasionally Lavender of Afghanistan. Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike.
Should I plant lavender or Russian sage?
But Russian sage can handle more water (and lavender thrives in poor soil) Lavender can’t stand much water. Russian sage, however, can grow in dry-to-medium soil. And while both plants can deal with less-than-ideal soil conditions, for lavender, the poorer the quality of the soil (even sand), the better.
How do you care for lavender sage? – Related Questions
What is lavender sage used for?
Using sage to cleanse a home helps to neutralize the energy of the space, enhancing your intuition. This helps to relieve your worries, open your mind, clear away negative thoughts and feelings and harmonize the body by releasing the stress of your spirit. Lavender has powers of protection and cleansing.
Will purple sage survive winter?
In early to midsummer, it sends up lavender-purple flower spikes; it has both ornamental and culinary qualities in an herb garden. It tolerates alkaline soil but cannot survive wet winter conditions.
Can you plant Russian sage and lavender together?
Russian sage attracts butterflies and bees and is dramatic as an unsung cut flower. Combines perfectly with other low water plants like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses, even pairs nicely with bold leafed succulents like large agaves and aloes.
Can you plant sage and lavender together?
Sage is another herb that thrives in conditions that lavender favors. No matter the variety, sage will thrive in hot climates, sandy, well-draining soil with little water or fuss. Sage grows best in Zones 5-11. Thyme, sage, and lavender make a great group for planting together, especially in pots or containers.
Is Russian sage a good companion plant?
Companion Plants: Because of the wispy nature of Russian Sage, it is fabulous planted with a flower that can pick up the violet-blue of its many flower panicles, and ‘grow through it, such as Coneflower (Echinacea spp.), globe thistle (Echinops ritro) or tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis).
What can I plant instead of Russian sage?
Traditional Plant: Russian Sage, Catmint (Nepeta spp.), and Salvia. Grown for their abundant flowers and reliable deer resistance. ✔ Native Alternative: Bee balm & Bergamot, Mountainmint, Lyreleaf Salvia (Salvia lyrata), and Culver’s Root.
Does Russian sage repel bugs?
Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away. Lavender is also popular, especially for indoors, but Gaskins said it also serves as a repellent.
Should Russian sage be cut back every year?
At the end of the flowering season in cold regions, when flowers have faded and a killing frost has occurred, clip Russian sage stems back to 18 inches. Or skip this pruning and leave stems intact through winter to add interest to winter garden scenery.
Do I cut down 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.
What does Russian sage look like in winter?
The foliage of Russian sage is gray-green, with small, finely toothed leaf edges and pale green stems that age quite attractively to silver-white in winter. The foliage is pleasingly but pungently scented when crushed or brushed against.
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.
What is the lifespan of Russian sage?
Russian Sage loves to live in well-drained soil and does not handle humidity very well. It must be pruned about a month after planting if starting with a mature plant and can live for three years, though its purple blooming buds that resemble the well-known Lavender plant only last about four total months.
What do you do with Russian sage in the winter?
What does Russian sage smell like?
In addition to its blossoms, Russian sage has beautiful silver-green foliage. Leaf edges may have a serrated or wavy edge. All parts of Russian sage are quite fragrant when rubbed or crushed. Some people describe it as a sage-like smell, sometimes mixed with lavender scents as well.
