Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) blooms with foot long panicles of tiny purple flowers and can grow to over five feet in height. Originating in central Asia, this species can be found natively in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Tibet and often thrives in rocky, sunny locations.

Russian sage has grey-green foliage with a light lilac scent when bruised. This species tends to flop to one side when it reaches an appreciable height. Plant Russian Sage in clumps so the tall plants can support each other or stake the plant up to give it individual support.

Russian Sage is currently blooming in several pots in the BioWorks Flight Enclosure and tends to attract many nectaring butterflies but especially Zebra Longwings, Great Southern Whites and Monarchs. The flowers of this plant are also attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Russian Sage was first described by Enlglish Botanist George Bentham (1800-1884). The genus is named for the imperial Russian general Vasily Alekseevich Perovsky (1794-1857). The species epithet atriplicifolia comes from the Greek and means “having leaves liek Atriplex”. Atriplex is a genus of plants commonly known as saltbush and orache and many species of this genus have grey-green foliage. In herbalism, Eurasian herbalists have used this herb to help reduce fevers in patients with elevated temperatures.