What is Russian sage good for?
Medicinal properties: A common ornamental flowering plant, Russian sage is a useful medicinal herb for soothing an upset stomach, treating a cold or flu, or washing a wound. It is highly aromatic and its oils are useful for clearing sinuses or soothing a head cold. Once established, very little care is needed. Simply scatter a handful of general- purpose fertilizer or compost (no more than 1 inch) around each plant every other year in late fall. Propagate Russian sage plants by dividing the clumps or taking cuttings in spring.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.Russian sage keeps its silvery hues in the winter garden. Once spring rolls around, it’s time to make room for new growth. That’s when you prune the dry matter all the way down to about four inches off the ground.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.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 be planted in either the early spring or late fall. Choose a sunny site for your plants with soil that is on the grittier side (sandier loam) to promote good drainage and ensure a successful overwintering.Winter Care: By following these planting and care tips, your ‘Sage Advice’ Russian Sage will become a resilient and dazzling part of your garden, attracting hummingbirds and providing beautiful blooms from mid-summer through early fall.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.Both perennials require minimal maintenance once established. Many gardeners choose Russian sage for its resilience and lavender for its fragrance and versatility.Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/pəˈrɒvskiə ætrɪplɪsɪˈfoʊliə/), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.
Is Russian sage safe?
Is Russian sage edible? Foliage is somewhat toxic, so should be avoided for consumption. The scented leaves can be dried and used for potpourri. The two best selections of Russian sage are: ‘Blue Spires’ (thought to be a hybrid of P. Perovskia abrotanoidesP.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.Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a stunner in my garden. This deciduous perennial has spires of gorgeous bluish-purple flowers, a fresh, sage-like scent and silvery, blue-green foliage.Is Russian sage edible? Although the leaves may smell like those of culinary garden sage (Salvia officinalis), Russian sage is technically not a sage. The aromatic leaves emit a light herbal scent when crushed, and as noted above, are toxic if consumed. However, they can be dried and used in potpourris.
Does Russian sage smell?
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. The scent is often more noticeable on the flowers of the plant. Overwater your Russian sage plant to induce bad health and root rot. Russian sage does poorly in wet soil conditions with poor drainage, and eventually dies from winter-kill. Once the plant dies, you can remove the stump remains from your garden. Cut the plant down to the stump to simply dig it out of the ground.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. The scent is often more noticeable on the flowers of the plant.Russian sage is a beautiful perennial with small blue flowers that is neither Russian nor sage. Though it has the aroma of sage when the leaves are crushed, the plant is inedible and actually can be quite poisonous.Medicinal properties: A common ornamental flowering plant, Russian sage is a useful medicinal herb for soothing an upset stomach, treating a cold or flu, or washing a wound. It is highly aromatic and its oils are useful for clearing sinuses or soothing a head cold.Do slugs eat Russian sage? Slugs are not often a problem when growing Russian sage thanks to the plant’s aromatic foliage. The strong scent of the plant also means it is deer-resistant and not often nibbled by rabbits either.
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. Lilies would be a nice partner for the Russian sage. If you are growing the straight species of Russian sage it can be 5 or 6 feet tall. Tall lilies can be equal in height or taller. Check the height listed in the catalog or on the tags.Russian sage can be grown from seed, though height, flower color, and leaf shape of the seedlings may vary considerably. Sow seed at any time of the year, just covering the seed with medium.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.You will want to make this resilient plant a mainstay in your summer garden. While it starts slow in the spring, the Russian sage makes a bold statement during the summer. With its silver-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers, you will want this magnificent shrub for your landscape.
What pairs well with Russian sage?
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. 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.Three health benefits of Russian sage: Fever relief – It makes a soothing cold compress to help lower temperature when suffering from a cold or flu. Prepare as a tea by boiling the leaves, then cool down and soak a clean cloth in the liquid.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.Wait until late winter or early spring to cut back Russian sage, butterfly bush and pest-free perennials. Research has found letting these plants stand for winter increases their hardiness. Plus the form, texture, motion and bird-attracting features add interest to the winter landscape.
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. Many gardeners choose Russian sage for its resilience and lavender for its fragrance and versatility.But Russian sage can handle more water (and lavender thrives in poor soil) Lavender can’t stand much water. Russian sage, however, can grow in dry-to-medium soil. And while both plants can deal with less-than-ideal soil conditions, for lavender, the poorer the quality of the soil (even sand), the better.Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, Russian sage will benefit from winter protection in colder regions. Most varieties reach 2-3 feet tall and wide, though some can be larger. Russian sage has good heat and drought tolerance, making it suitable for waterwise landscapes.