Russian Sage
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate to Fast
- Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Russian Sage
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia, now often classified as Salvia yangii) produces airy clouds of small lavender-blue flowers on silvery, aromatic stems from summer through fall, providing a soft, textural haze of cool color that contrasts beautifully with bolder-flowered perennials like coneflower and black-eyed Susan. It grows to 3-4 feet tall and wide and is exceptionally drought tolerant, thriving in the hottest, driest, sunniest spots in a Georgia landscape where many other perennials struggle, and it strongly prefers well-drained soil, performing poorly in soggy or compacted clay. Its aromatic, sage-scented foliage makes it naturally deer resistant, an important trait for Lawrenceville properties with regular deer pressure. Russian Sage is also a strong pollinator plant, drawing bees throughout its long bloom season. Because its woody base can look untidy after a few years, cutting the plant back hard, to about 6-8 inches, in late winter keeps it compact and encourages the strongest new growth and bloom the following season.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 3-4 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 3-4 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low — very drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | Summer through Fall |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Russian Sage in full sun in well-drained soil; raise the planting site in heavy Georgia clay, since good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Cut back hard to 6-8 inches in late winter to keep the plant compact and encourage vigorous new growth. Water regularly the first season; established plants need very little supplemental water even in peak summer heat.
Fast Facts
- Airy lavender-blue flowers on silvery aromatic stems
- Mature size: 3-4 ft tall and wide
- Blooms summer through fall
- Exceptionally drought tolerant, needs well-drained soil
- Deer resistant due to aromatic foliage
- Cut back hard in late winter for best growth
Pairs Well With
Russian Sage FAQs
When should Russian Sage be cut back?
Russian Sage should be cut back hard, to about 6-8 inches from the ground, in late winter before new spring growth begins. This annual pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages the strongest, most floriferous new growth for the coming summer-through-fall bloom season.
Is Russian Sage deer resistant?
Yes, Russian Sage is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for Gwinnett County properties bordering wooded areas with regular deer traffic. As with any "deer resistant" plant, hungry deer in a hard winter may still sample new growth occasionally, but damage is typically minimal.