Perovskia Little Spire (Russian Sage)

Perovskia ‘Little Spire’ (Russian Sage) is a compact, erect, deciduous sub-shrub with terminal panicles of small violet-blue flowers, borne on thin white stems, clad with finely-dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, this delicate-looking plant is a toughy that is resistant to drought, heat, pests and poor soils.

Perovskia 'Little Spire' (Russian Sage) is a compact, erect, deciduous sub-shrub with terminal panicles of small violet-blue flowers, borne on thin white stems, clad with finely-dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, this delicate-looking plant is a toughy that is resistant to drought, heat, pests and poor soils. Pretty and excellent for xeriscaping, its long blooming season, makes it an extremely valuable addition to the garden – even in winter when the stems create a beautiful feature in the landscape. This short Russian Sage selection does not flop over as is common with Russian Sage. Perfect for small gardens.

  • Typically grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought and salt tolerant.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Attracts scores of pollinating bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Russian Sage looks stunning in dry landscapes with other desert plants, in cottage or Mediterranean gardens, whether planted as singles or in clusters to intensify its presence, or even in a linear mass for knot gardens or small divider hedges. It associates wonderfully with other gray-leaved plants such as Lavender and contrasts beautifully with the bright colors of Echinacea (Coneflower), Helenium (Sneezeweed) and clump-forming grasses.
  • Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
  • Perovskia atriplicifolia is native to Central Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) and Tibet at elevations to 8,000 ft.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 6
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Perovskia – Russian Sages
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Salt
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden