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.
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.
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.
Is Russian sage invasive?
Though it isn’t a native plant, it is not invasive and will stay where you plant it for many years – as long as you give it the well-drained conditions it needs.
Is Russian sage the same as lavender? – Related Questions
Does Russian sage repel mosquitoes?
Both Russian Sage and Lemon Verbena are known for cooking, but they have distinct smells that keep mosquitoes away.
Is Russian sage good for anything?
A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. 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.
How do you keep Russian sage from spreading?
Another way to keep a Russian sage in-bounds is to plant it inside of a “sleeve” that prevents underground runners (they’re called rhizomes) from spreading out. You can use a plastic nursery pot and cut the bottom out. I’d use a pretty good-sized one, say, 14–20 inches in diameter.
Does Russian sage spread quickly?
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.
Should I cut down Russian sage?
Pruning is an important part of Russian sage maintenance. If you don’t prune Russian sage, the plant will become very overgrown and woody, which doesn’t look very nice.
Should I plant Russian sage?
Russian sage is easy to grow and cold hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9. It grows best in warm climates and tolerates clay or average soils, as long as the drainage is good, but they need full sun to produce lots of flowers and sturdy stems that won’t flop over as they grow taller.
Which is easier to grow Russian sage or lavender?
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Does Russian sage lose leaves in winter?
A deciduous subshrub, Russian sage will lose its leaves in winter. To keep it from flopping, you can prune it in spring to around one foot tall. Or you can place it in your garden alongside other plants which will give it some support.
Does Russian sage need a lot of sun?
How to plant: Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions and well-draining soils. Choose a site that receives 6-8 hours of full sun. Follow these steps and space plants 2-3 feet apart. Loosen soil in the planting area and dig a hole slightly wider and deeper than the root ball.
When should you plant Russian sage?
Container-grown plants are best planted in late spring once the soil warms up, which will encourage faster growth. You can also plant them later in the summer as long as you get them in the ground six weeks before a hard frost.
Does Russian sage need a lot of water?
Watering care for Russian sage plants is minimal. In fact, Russian sage thrives in dry soil and rarely needs watering once established. Scatter a handful of general-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant every other year in late fall.
Is Russian sage poisonous to dogs?
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia).
Purple and pretty, Russian Sage is a great fall plant, and considered nontoxic to pets.