Featured 1 Gallon Perennial

Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia var. Longin

From the popular family of Russian Sages, "Longin" shows long lasting lavender-blue flowers held proudly over feathery spires of cloud-like gray-green foliage. Forming a shrubby mound reaching 24" to 36", the long-lasting flowers are held up high making this an excellent perennial for your yard. Russian Sage received the Perennial Plant of the Year Award in 1995, so you know it will perform well here in the Northwest!

Hardy in full sun in Zones 4-8, the plants also tolerate a wide range of soil types and exposures. Sages are typically easy to care for even in hot and dry conditions. The flower spikes bloom from the bottom to the top and continue over a very long period time.

An added bonus to all the flowers is the fine aroma Sage gives the garden. You can cut the flowers or foliage for aromatic bouquets, sachets or as a culinary herb.

While much of the information in this tip is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.