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Salvia yangii (Pe)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Russian sage

A bushy, woody-based deciduous perennial to 1.2m tall, with upright white stems bearing finely divided aromatic, grey-green leaves to 5cm long, and long terminal panicles of tiny blue flowers in late summer and early autumn

Synonyms
Perovskia atriplicifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Blue Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, tolerant of dry chalky soil and coastal conditions

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 6, cut back hard in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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