Russian sage

Russian Sage should be watered once a week to keep the soil moist, but never wet. The amount of water used can vary depending on the environment, but a general guideline is to water the soil until it is thoroughly saturated and water runs out of the drainage holes. However, during periods of extreme heat and drought, it may be necessary to water the plant 2 times a week or more to keep the soil moist. In the winter months, water should be reduced or suspended as the plant will naturally enter a growth slowdown during this time.

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) prefers full sunlight, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant grows best in warmer areas of the U.S., and is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. In cooler regions it may be more easily grown in a container that can be moved in and out of sunlight and heat as required.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) should be pruned back hard in late winter or very early spring. Cut approximately 1/3 of the stems to the ground. Remove any dead or damaged stems, as they will not regrow. New stems should put out multiple branches after pruning. Pruning at this time also helps promote a more compact and bushy shape. During the growing season, you can also shape the plant by deadheading the flower spikes or lightly trimming the stems to promote more flower production and bushier growth. Since Russian sage is tolerant of heavy pruning, feel free to shape and prune it to your desired look.