Description
Form: Herbaceous stems growing from a woody base (subshrub).
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen but frost deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 2-5' (0.6-1.5m) high and as wide depending on cultivar.
Flowers: Purple to blue, very small, clustered in spikes, edible.
Bloom: Late spring through summer.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried flower.
Leaves: Silvery green, downy, roughly serrated edges, aromatic but not edible.
Stems: Stiff, upright, square cross-section, grayish-white, becoming woody with age.
Roots: This plant has a taproot.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees. The foliage is seldom browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: This plant can cause an allergic skin reaction in a few people.
Origin: Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Tibet.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9, depending on cultivar.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Very well draining, dry, low organic content, pH 6.1-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline).
Water after becoming established: Once a month, accommodating for rain. Root rot will occur in continually moist soil.
Mulch: No. The soil should dry quickly after rain or watering.
Prune: Cut back to 6" (15cm) high after the last winter freeze. This plant produces flowers on new growth. Cut off spent blossoms to encourage additional blooms.
Propagation: Seed sown in the fall, cuttings.
Uses: Ornamental, low water (xeriscape) garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae), but is not a true sage (Salvia) nor from Russia. The flowers shown are from two different cultivars, one or both could be a hybrid with another Perovskia species.

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