Vegetables Typically grows up to 18-24 in. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. At 24 to 36 inches tall, Russian sage is a perfect plant for the full hot sun garden. It’s also disease and pest resistant! If the soil is full of clay and you do not want to build a raised bed or rock garden, dig the planting hole at least twice as deep and twice as wide as the potted purchased plant. Fertilize in early spring and prune to within several inches above the ground to promote dense growth and heavy bloom. This will rejuvenate the plant, maintain a manageable size and produce heavier blooming on the new growth. If your soil is heavy clay, dig the plant up in early fall and work in some organic matter and coarse sand to improve drainage. And if that weren’t reason enough to plant it, Perovskia is extremely resistant to browsing deer, rabbits and even elk. Russian Sage can be planted in either the early spring or late fall. It is a drought tolerant and trouble free plant with a height of 3 to 5 feet. It features finely-dissected, aromatic, gray-green foliage and … Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is a flowering herb that’s native to the Mediterranean Basin. … Perovskia atriplicifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. Russian sage is also fragrant, so much so that it attracts butterflies. 10. The plant spreads via underground runners and does not require much maintenance besides some pruning to keep it looking neat. ProblemSolver Plants for Clay Soil - Perennials. There are a number of straightforward steps that the home gardener can take to improve the productivity of clay soil: Start with a soil test: Clay soils vary in pH and may require correction to get into the commonly recommended pH range of 6.3 to 6.8. If you have clay-based soils, like I do in southern Arizona, add organic material like compost and some fine sand. Plant your Russian sage in full sun for the most dense vegetation and abundant display for flowers. Plant these 18 inches apart (you’ll want 3 or more in a clump) in a well drained, sandy soil. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. A lot of us in Minnesota have the problem of clay soil, but there are perennials, shrubs and trees that are suited for it! Its cool-colored flowers and foliage combine well with reds, oranges, and yellows; its fine-textured foliage is a good foil for plants with coarser leaves, such as coneflower (Echinacea), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia), iris, aster, and sedum. Russian sage – terrific long-blooming blue flowers. Although young specimens perform best when planted in a mixture of peat and either sand or perlite, P. atriplicifolia can thrive in sandy, chalky, or loamy soil, or heavy clay soil with sufficient drainage. Russian sage can be used in the garden in many ways. Part sun conditions will cause the plant to become leggier and flop over. I’ve grown this plant in richly amended clay garden soil, where it sulked. tall and wide (45-60 cm). It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. When planting in very sandy, quick-draining soil consider mixing in some top soil, peat moss and/or compost to help retain moisture. It tolerates a wide range of pH level in the soil and is easy to propagate from cuttings or seed. This sturdy plant is characterized by its upright and shrub-like shape, slender stems and finely-cut silvery-gray leaves, which are aromatic and resistant to the browsing of deer. If you are growing a Russian sage plant from seed, start indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Inside the tube is a clean white color. Both materials will help aerate the soil for vigorous root growth. Author: Bobby Jensen, Laura Betker Published: 5:32 … It also tolerates alkaline conditions and is a good choice for seaside gardens. This shrub attracts 24 species of birds as well as butterflies to the garden. It grows in zones 9 and up, but it does well in a container, so you can put it outside during the warm months and bring it in during the winter. The light blue flowers of Russian sage appeal to gardeners who love blue. The flowers themselves are actually very small bluish purple in color with a four lobed upper petal and a smaller lower petal. Add a layer of garden soil mixed with compost, and sand. The mature plant may be 0.6–1.2 m (2 ft. 0 in–3 ft. 11 in) across. Clay Fix-it Tactics. P. atriplicifolia can thrive in sandy, chalky, or loamy soil, or heavy clay soil with sufficient drainage. Its color combination adds beauty to your garden. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which is technically a subshrub, has bluish flowers with silvery-gray foliage. Full sun for abundant flower blooms. Russian Sage; Stonecrop; Cranesbill; Use organic based mulch – Clay soil has a tendency to crack as it. Give Russian sage a well-draining soil and full sun for best growth. This will help to hide the cracks, will prevent moisture loss and will break down over time, adding organic material to the soil below. Often what seems like the flowers on Russian sage are actually the calyx,a tube that protects the flowers from damage before they bloom. Its small purple flowers and tall, hedge-like presence make it a close stand-in for the real thing. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. Russian Sage . When planting in dense clay or poor soil it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some good organic matter, such as aged compost, sand, and/or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the clay soil. Russian Sage is a perennial with an exceptionally long season of interest. This perennial is a valuable long-bloomer, starting in July and going to the end of September, and sometimes even into October. It really is a tough plant! Young specimens perform best when planted in a mixture of peat and either sand or perlite. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. The flavor of your garden can be enhanced by these purple or … The blooms have darker markings from the upper petal into the tube. Virtually pest and disease free. 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It will tolerate many soil types as long as it doesn't become waterlogged. This compact selection forms a bushy upright clump of fragrant, metallic, silver leaves bearing copious spikes of lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer on. Russian sage has grey-green leaves that are very aromatic with bluish-purple flowers that bloom mid-summer through fall. It can tolerate clay soil, dry soil, street salt, and are deer and rabbit resistant. It is called Russian sage because Perovskia was named for a Russian general, not because it is from that area. Help answer a question about Russian Sage - Gardening Know How Questions & Answers. In the case of the Russian sage, the calyx is covered in coa… Where to plant: A sunny spot in well-drained soil is all this plant asks for, making it ideal for hot, dry climates. Its silver foliage stands out well against other greens in the garden and the haze of purplish blue flowers in mid to late summer is quite attractive. Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Russian sage attracts butterflies and is drought-resistant, frost-resistant and deer-resistant. Excellent for hot, sunny sites, in the garden or in tubs. The plant tolerates a variety of soil conditions. If you have visions of lavender in your garden, but your poor soil doesn't allow it, Russian sage can fill in. Set the plant on a third layer of gravel and turkey grit or sand. When developing a drought tolerant landscape in clay soil, make sure to use an organic mulch. It can endure a wide range of soil pH, as well as exposure to salty conditions near oceans. Amsonia tabernaemontana ... Russian sage 'Little Spire' is a compact Russian sage cultivar which typically grows to 2' tall (species typically grows to 3-4'). Perfect for small gardens. It grows five to eight feet tall and is hardy to USDA growing zones 4 through 8. Russian sage is another plant which has recently changed its name, from Perovskia atriplicifolia to Salvia yangii, officially putting it in the sage genus. An import from central Asia, Russian sage thrives in our high, dry climate, bright sunshine and alkaline soils. In addition to tolerating moist clay soil well, the buttonbush will also grow without impediment in alkaline soil or areas with periodic flooding. Planting Russian Sage. Fill the bottom of the hole with limestone gravel. Purple Coneflower. Easily grown in average to lean, fast-draining soils. It blooms all summer and grows successfully in any soil, from clay to sand, as well as salty and highly alkaline ones. Will Tolerate Acidic Soil, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Loamy Soil, Sandy Soil; Pruning Prune your Russian sage plant in early spring before new growth emerges, about six weeks after the last predicted frost date for your region. Light: Full sun is recommended for Russian sage. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a plant that was tailor-made for Colorado’s climate and growing conditions. This plant can grow well in dry, hot and sunny clay. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Where to Plant Russian Sage. 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. It is in flower from September to October. 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