Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Russian Sage — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Perovskia atriplicifolia |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–30 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 15.6–21.1 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant in poor to average, sharply drained soil in full sun — Russian sage declines quickly in fertile or moist soil and is highly susceptible to root rot in clay. Cut plants back hard in early spring (to about 6 in) just as new basal growth emerges; do not cut back in fall as the woody framework helps protect the crown. The airy silver stems and lavender-blue flowers create a haze of color from midsummer through fall and are beloved by pollinators. Deer avoid this plant due to its strongly aromatic foliage.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0