This perennial is prized for its Mediterranean style, lavender-purple flowers, and ease of care. Russian Sage is distinct for its long bloom time (from June to September) and lacy, silvery-gray foliage. It can grow up to 4 feet tall in ideal conditions and has an airy habit. While its foliage is aromatic, this plant isn’t a true sage and shouldn’t be used in cooking.

Plant Russian Sage in full sun and well-drained soil. Wet soils in winter will cause it to rot. Prune it in early spring before growth starts to maintain a tidy plant with good-quality blooms. It is drought-tolerant once established but needs some watering during the first year after planting.

Russian Sage doesn’t have significant insect or disease issues but may flop in part shade or with excessive watering. These plants work well as single specimens or massed together. They are also at home in prairie gardens, perennial borders, and shrub borders, where they can stand out and contrast well with dark green and dense plants.