Perennial
Russian Sage
Salvia yangii (syn. Perovskia atriplicifolia)
A silver-and-lavender cloud four feet tall, blooming July to fall. Asks for nothing.
- Pollinator
- Deer-resistant
- Fragrant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 3–4 ft tall × 2–4 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Airy lavender-blue flower sprays over silver foliage, midsummer to fall
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Not native to the US (non-invasive garden plant)
Why we recommend it
Airy clouds of lavender-blue over silvery aromatic foliage give months of color on almost no water, and its deer resistance and toughness make it a xeriscape staple.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertGreat BasinTexasSouthwest
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first summer; established plants rarely need irrigation.
Pruning
Leave stems up for winter interest, then cut back to 6–12 in. once new buds show in spring.
Soil
Lean, well-drained soil. Rich soil or extra water makes it floppy; spreads modestly by rhizomes.
Pairs well with
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Read more
- Drought-Tolerant Salvia: 10 Sages That Carry a Xeriscape
- 15 Best Drought-Tolerant Perennials That Bloom All Summer
- Full-Sun, No-Mercy: Plants for Your Hottest, Driest Exposure
- Deer-Resistant Xeriscape Plants: 16 Low-Water Picks Deer Usually Skip
- Xeriscaping Ideas & Inspiration for a Beautiful Low-Water Yard
Where to buy
Shop Russian Sage from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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