“Russian Sage” Is Neither? Nyet So Fast!

We reported recently that Perovskia, a.k.a. Russian sage, is neither Russian, nor a sage. Turns out we were only half right.

Horticulturist and sharp-eyed reader Mark Deacon, of Cincinnati Technical & Community College, updated us. It’s still not Russian, but it has gotten smarter.

The perennial formerly known as Perovskia is native to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tibet. It’s not from Russia, with or without love. But while we weren’t watching, those never-satisfied taxonomists decided it really IS a sage. Say hello to Salvia yangii.

So, that pungent sage-y aroma released when the silvery foliage is crushed? Not a coincidence. The nose knows.

P. atriplicifolia

Salvia yangii

The original! Talc-white stems rise from lacy, blue/pewter foliage, adorned with sprays of lavender flowers. Named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995, it stands a bushy 3 – 4’ and is hardy in Zones 4 – 9.

‘Little Spire’

A more compact, refined selection with tall airy bloom spikes and richly aromatic gray foliage. At just two feet, ‘Little Spire’ is about half as tall, but every bit as hardy. 

Culture Notes

Russian sage thrives in full sun and performs best in well-drained soil. Water moderately, it’s very drought-tolerant once established. In the garden, cut back almost to the ground in late winter. 

Unexpected Consequences

1. In response to the renaming, Mensa has agreed to review the species’ membership application. After all, “genus” is just one letter shy of “genius.”

2. Doesn’t “Perovskia!” sound like a toast? Something you’d shout while raising a Moscow Mule?

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/221310/moscow-mu...

We predict this modified moniker won’t be widely adopted anytime soon, but by any name, Russian sage is still a splendid shrubby perennial. So call it what you will, but call it in to our Customer Service team. They’ll hook you up.

Get easy-planting, fast-finishing 72-cell liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your sage choice!