Ever wonder why your garden plants keep dying? Maybe they fry up in the hot sun and you realize you can’t quite remember the last time you watered them? If so, you’re in luck! Neglectful gardener, meet your new best friend: Russian Sage. Pretty, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly? You bet. Let’s read in more detail why I consider Russian Sage to be the best plant for the neglectful gardener.
What Is Russian Sage?
Cultivated since the mid-1800’s and native to Central Asia and from Afghanistan to Tibet, Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia) is a beautiful perennial shrub that has continued to grow in popularity in the US since its introduction in the 1980’s. The Europeans, however, have been well-aware of the beauty of this shrub for much longer. Since the 1800’s, Russian Sage has been considered a prize in the British garden, recommended by famous gardeners throughout history such as Gertrude Jekyll and Christopher Lloyd.
Pretty, Drought-Tolerant & Pollinator-Friendly
Russian Sage has been a well-loved plant for gardeners due to its extremely easy care- it can grow in poor soil/rocky soil, withstand scorching sunlight and heat, survive extreme cold through harsh winters, and thrive on neglect (doesn’t it sound like the best plant for a neglectful gardener!). This sun-loving perennial is one of the longest-blooming plants continuing from summer until frost. Last summer, I had blooms on my Denim N’ Lace Russian Sage plants from June until November! And even as blooms fade, the semi-woody form of the perennial leaves a wispy winter interest. This long-lasting, low-maintenance, deer-resistant plant grows well in zones 4-9.
Russian Sage’s strongly-scented, silvery-green foliage and soft gray stems covered in masses of lilac-blue florets make it a stunning perennial. From a garden design perspective, the foliage and florets create one of the most gorgeous combinations for any perennial in the garden.
Older varieties of Russian Sage grew tall and wildly out of control, but newer varieties such as Denim N’ Lace or Sage Advice are much more compact. I have many Denim N’ Lace Russian Sage plants in my garden and each grows to about 28” tall and 34” wide. Now the best part- this beautiful perennial is a magnet for honeybees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it one of the best flowers for pollinators.
Over-watering and wet-feet are a no-no for Russian Sage. That’s how easy it is to remember this plant’s care: plant it and forget about it (of course, if it hasn’t rained in ages, then give it a little drink, please). Russian Sage is a drought-tolerant, winter-hardy, pollinator-friendly, deer-resistant, stunning plant that literally thrives on neglect. Black thumb gardeners, rejoice! Add this one to your garden because Russian Sage is the best plant for the neglectful gardener.
Please comment below if you also love Russian Sage!
Interested in more pollinator-friendly flowers? Be sure to check out 3 Best Flowers For Pollinators
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