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Genus Perovskia

Perovskia Perovskia atriplicifolia Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
per-OV-skee-ah
Seven species of subshrubs from rocky sites in Asia to the Himalayas belong to this genus. Perovskia have aromatic, delicate-looking foliage and spires of small, blue, 2-lipped flowers in summer and fall. Grow in borders. They mix attractively with grasses.
Noteworthy characteristics: Finely cut, aromatic foliage and blue, lipped flowers. Tolerant of dry soil. Can be deer tolerant.
Care: Plant in full sun in a site with well-drained soil of poor to moderate fertility.
Propagation: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or softwood cuttings in late spring.
Problems: Generally trouble-free.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Perovskia

Perovskia atriplicifolia Perovskia atriplicifolia
(Russian sage)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Russian sage is a woody-based perennial or subshrub with gray-white shoots and finely dissected silvery-green leaves. The foliage is aromatic when crushed. Square stems bear whorls of two-lipped, tubular violet-blue flowers in tall, branched panicles. The blooming period is from late summer to early autumn. P. 'Longin' has a more upright habit and less toothed leaves than the species.