Is Russian sage good for anything?
A perennial plant with purple flowers, russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from russian sage can also help break a fever. You can plant russian sage in the early spring indoors, six weeks before the final frost has passed. It is a durable plant that thrives in usda zones 5–9.They will also produce fewer flowers without full sun conditions. Water new plants regularly during the first season to help them establish a healthy root system, but let the soil dry out in between. Once established, Russian sage requires little water and will be very drought-tolerant.Plant Russian sage in full sun and well-drained soil, spacing the plants about 18 inches apart. Container-grown plants are best planted in early spring, setting them at the same depth as they were in the pot, but they can be planted out through the summer until one month before a hard killing frost.Initial Care: Water newly planted ‘Sage Advice’ regularly to keep the soil evenly moist until they are well-established. Ongoing Care: Once established, ‘Sage Advice’ Russian Sage is drought tolerant. Water occasionally, more frequently in extreme heat or if planted in containers.Russian sage pairs well with a variety of other perennials, providing beautiful contrast and texture. Consider planting it alongside ornamental grasses, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, or sedums for a harmonious and visually pleasing combination.
What is the difference between sage and Russian sage?
Russian Sage (Perovskia) is not a sage and it’s not native to Mother Russia—but it has become a landscaping staple in Western xeriscapes. Both Russian sage and lavender love full sun and well-drained soil. However, Russian sage is more tolerant of poor soils and of slightly more moisture, making it easier to grow in colder zones and USDA zones 4 to 9. Lavender prefers dry climates and struggles with root rot in heavy or wet soil.While traditional Russian Sage varieties can grow quite tall and may require staking, newer cultivars like ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ offer a more compact and well-behaved habit, making them ideal for smaller gardens and containers.Dwarf Russian Sage only grows to be about 12-18 in height and boasts blooms larger than most! This deer-resistant beauty brings extended color to the sun or partial shade garden, blooming from mid-summer until early fall. A must-have in most zones!Their fragrance travels with the breeze—Russian sage and lavender are often smelled before they’re seen. Both are known for their distinct scents and alluring flowers, and both make excellent additions to a garden.
What is the difference between lavender and Russian sage?
Comments Section Looks like Russian sage. How can I distinguish between this and lavender? Lavender leaves are narrow with smooth edges. Russian sage leaves are deeply lobed. Usually the size of the plant is a good sign–Russian sage is typically bigger and more upright, lavender forms a smaller mound. Russian sage (Perovskia) used to be called the lavender of the South for its color, scent, and tolerance of heat and drought. Now, however, gardeners in the North have discovered how easy it is to grow, and it’s so popular that we’re wondering if lavender will soon be known as the Russian sage of the North.No, these beautiful flowers that you see in this photo are not lavender. This plant is called Perovskia Atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage and occasionally Lavender of Afghanistan. Not only is its second name the same as our favorite flower, these two plants are part of the same family and look alike.Mature plants can reach 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 4 feet. Since Russian sage grows as clumps, space the plants about 3 feet apart, or 3 feet away from other plants in the garden, to give them room to spread.You can pull up the suckers in the early spring to curb its spread. For a healthier shrub, it is important to divide the plant every six years. Russian sage is a low-maintenance plant, but you will want to prune this species for a better appearance.The Russian Sage are planted at 8600′ elevation (zone 4) in Colorado. Russian sage can persist for many years, upwards of a decade or more, particularly in moderate zones.
Is Russian sage high maintenance?
Russian sage is a low maintenance perennial that seems to thrive on neglect. Container-grown nursery plants can be planted anytime during the growing season, from early spring to up to six weeks before a hard-killing frost. Tall, bushy Russian sage plants have a tendency to flop over late in the season. Russian sage can spread very slowly by runners, but the offshoots do not transplant easily. However it does divide easily, so propagate new plants by division in spring or autumn.Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Russian sage spreads by self-sowing if conditions are right and also by rhizomes. In some situations, gardeners report this perennial flower as being invasive.Another way to keep a Russian sage in-bounds is to plant it inside of a sleeve that prevents underground runners (they’re called rhizomes) from spreading out.Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring. Dividing the clumps every four to six years reinvigorates the plants and helps to control their spread. The big care concern with these plants is pruning.
Which is better, catmint or Russian sage?
Catmint leaves are smaller and shorter, with a slightly serrated edge and a velvety appearance. Russian sage foliage is distinctly serrated, smoother and more elongated. Russian sage is more sun and heat tolerant, though catmint is slightly hardier, so may be a good substitute for Russian sage in colder zones. Russian sage has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is smoked as a euphoriant. In addition to its use in folk medicine, it is sometimes used in Russia to flavor a vodka-based cocktail. Its flowers are eaten in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Kashmir, adding a sweet flavor to salads.A perennial plant with purple flowers, Russian sage not only looks great in a garden, but it also has a variety of medicinal benefits. Steep sage leaves in hot water for 15-30 minutes to create a medicinal tea that can help relieve stomach pain and indigestion. Tea made from Russian sage can also help break a fever.Is Russian sage edible? Foliage is somewhat toxic, so should be avoided for consumption. The scented leaves can be dried and used for potpourri.Russian sage is a deciduous perennial. This means it will lose most of its silvery green foliage as temperatures drop in the fall. But it will still retain its appeal due to the silver stems and elegant seedheads. This makes it the perfect perennial to adorn your winter garden.The Russian sage and Lavender plants have delightful fragrances. The Russian sage has a pungent menthol scent that is more noticeable when the leaves are crushed. Some people describe the scent as a mix of sage and Lavender. Contrariwise, Lavender has a floral scent with herbal undertones.
How fast will Russian sage grow?
These plants can reach a height of 4 feet and spread out to 3 feet or more. Russian sages are known as fast growers, and they will quickly fill up your space. Spacing: Space Russian sage 24” apart at planting time to allow for the eventual wide growth of the plant. Russian sage is a slow grower and does not spread, creating a woody structure of stems at the base of the plant.Some gardeners choose to prune Russian sage annually. The argument for pruning is that the plant will grow to be bushier as a result of this care. At the very least, it’s a good idea to cut off any dead branches to keep this perennial tidy.Winter Care: Hardiness Zones: ‘Sage Advice’ is hardy in zones 4-9. In the coldest areas, a layer of mulch can help protect the roots over winter. Winter Interest: The stems of Russian Sage can add interest to the winter garden, but it’s a good idea to cut them back in early spring to make way for new growth.Therefore, it’s best to move potted Russian sage plants to a sheltered location after cutting them back for the winter. One option is to bury the entire pot up to its rim for the winter. Or, you can move the plant to a cold frame or unheated porch or garage until spring.Russian sage has been grown as an ornamental plant since the mid-1800s. It’s not a true sage, nor is it native to Russia. However, Russian sage was given its name by a Russian botanist. Perovskia is native to Central Asia.