How to Grow Russian Sage (Perovskia 'Blue Spire')

The 4-foot tall, airy gray-green stems and deep blue flowers of this perennial (meaning it grows back year after year) look fabulous in the sunny summer garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants
• Plants

Planting Russian Sage

1. Plant Russian sage in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Set the plants 1 foot apart.

4. Place the plants no deeper than they were in their containers.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Choosing Russian Sage

7. Look for Russian sage at nurseries spring through fall.

8. Buy Russian sage in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

9. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaf and flower buds.

Caring for Russian Sage

10. Cut down last year's growth - leaving 3 or 4 inches - in early spring using bypass pruners.

11. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in early spring.

12. Water well until soil is completely moist; do this weekly in summers with no rainfall.