Perovskia, also known as Russian Sage, is a drought-tolerant plant known for its lavender-blue flowers and fragrant foliage. Flowering from July through to late October, it provides months of colour and interest, making it an excellent choice for extending the summer display in your garden.
How to Grow Perovskia
Perovskia is a sun-loving plant that thrives in well-drained soil. For the most successful growth and flowering, choose a planting position where it will be in direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day.
Our Planting Tips:
- Loosen soil in the planting area before planting
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and the same depth
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently tease out the roots
- Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil
- Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly
Perovskia is a deciduous plant, meaning that it loses its leaves in autumn, but do not worry as fresh new silvery-grey foliage will appear each spring.
Caring for Perovskia
Perovskia is a low-maintenance shrub, making it suitable for beginner and experienced gardeners who are looking to add long-lasting colour.
During its first growing season, water your perovskia regularly to encourage a deep, healthy root system. Once established, it will become drought tolerant and only require watering throughout prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.
Perovskia grows well in a wide range of soil types, including chalk, loam and sandy soils, providing they are well-drained. Feeing is rarely necessary, as excessive feeding can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
When grown in full sun and the right conditions, perovskia can reach heights of around 1-1.5 metres depending on its variety. Most reach their mature height within 2-5 years of planting.
We recommend leaving the stems standing over winter, as the seed heads provide food and winter interest for birds. In early spring, cut back the previous years stems to around 15-30cm above the ground, just as new growth begins, and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure avoiding the stems. As perovskia flowers on new growth, annual pruning encourages vigorous planting and an abundance of blooms.
What to Plant with Perovskia
Perovskia is a late-summer flowering shrub, which adds lasting colour through to October every year. Its silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers pair very well with plants that enjoy the same sunny, well-drained conditions.
Ornamental grasses and other late-summer perennials such as salvias and dahlias create a beautiful display alongside perovskia, adding colour and texture that lasts well into autumn. Perovskia also pairs well with lavender, as it begins to flower just as lavender starts to fade, helping to extend the season of colour and interest in borders.
Perovskia is also a favourite for wildlife-friendly gardens, as it is a magnet for pollinating insects. It is included on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, providing an important nectar source for bees and other beneficial pollinating insects throughout late summer and early autumn.
Things to Watch Out For
While perovskia is a low-maintenance shrub, there a few things to look out for to ensure it has healthy growth and flowering.
As a drought-tolerant shrub, perovskia does not like being overwatered, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. This can cause yellow leaves, wilting and poor growth. To help prevent rot rot, ensure your perovskia is planted in well-drained soil and avoid excessive watering once it is established.
Powdery mildew can occasionally occur, particularly during warm, dry weather if air circulation around the plant is poor. Improve airflow by giving plants enough space and removing any affected foliage to help reduce its spread.
Why Choose Perovskia?
With its fragrant foliage and easy-care nature, perovskia is a fantastic addition to any sunny garden. Whether planted in a mixed border, gravel garden or wildlife-friendly planting scheme, it provides months of colour while attracting bees and other pollinating insects.
Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today to explore our range of perovskia and complementary plants, and speak to our friendly, knowledgable team to find out more about the perfect plants for your garden.
You can also check out of newest YouTube video, featuring perovskia as our Plant of the Week!
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