Russian sage has become an important player to those who want a summer/fall perennial garden and this is considered one of the best for the “no work” garden. If you are into just relaxing and doing little work, then this is the plant for you.

Russian Sage will grow best in a full, hot sun location of the garden. It does not need any special soil conditions and to be honest the worse the soil is the better. It does not like moist soil so if you are planning on putting it in a wet area of your yard then forget this plant. It prefers soil on the sandy side that drains well. This makes it perfect for Long Island. Its average height and width can range from 24-36 inches high to 24-36 inches wide. Russian Sage has silver fragrant foliage that stands out against the other greens in your garden and produces purplish blue flowers that attract butterflies. Its bloom time is usually mid-summer through to the end of September or early October. Do not attempt to over fertilize this plant as it could very well hurt it more then help it.

Beneficial characteristics of the Russian Sage plant are its long bloom time, they attract butterflies and have fragrant foliage. It also has and amazing ability to grow in hot drought like conditions with poor soil. Russian Sage is deer resistant.

When first planting Russian sage, incorporate into the soil compost such as Bumper Crop. This will provide a perfect soil foundation for new plants that can retain water and nutrients. To help in drought conditions use Espoma Bio-tone Soil Conditioner with beneficial mycorrihizae. This will help establish a large healthy root system. At the end of fall or before the new growth starts, the following spring, cut the plant back to about 6 inches as it pushes the new years growth off of last year’s stems.

For the experienced gardener, Russian Sage is the perfect plant to give you a small coffee break in your daily routine in the garden. For all you hammock potatoes out there who are a little lazy and don’t want to work in your garden and just want to enjoy it, get a Russian Sage today. You will not be disappointed.

Have fun and enjoy this plant for years.