Russian Sage (Perovskia ‘Longin’)

Russian Sage

Features and Characteristics

Perovskia is a genus of 7 species of deciduous shrubs from Central Asia to the Himalayas. They are grown for their attractive foliage and flowers.

Genus name honors Russian general V. A. Perovski (1794 – c. 185- .

‘Longin’ is a compact Russian sage cultivar that typically grows to 3-4’ tall. It is a woody-based perennial of the mint family. It features feathery, narrow, dissected, silvery gray-green leaves (to 2″ long) on stiff, upright, square, silvery stems. Leaves and stems emit a strong sage-like aroma when bruised. In comparison to Perovski atriplicifolia, ‘Longin’ is a more upright plant with less foliage dissection. Foliage and stems emit a strong sage aroma when bruised. Whorls of tiny, 2-lipped, tubular, deep blue flowers tiered in branched, narrow, terminal panicles appear over a long summer bloom. Foliage and flowers are noted for bringing a blue haze to the garden in late summer. ‘Longin’ is very similar in appearance to P. ‘Little Spire’, except it has a more erect habit with slightly larger leaves. ‘Longin’ is a Kurt Bluemel introduction that is named for Swiss nurseryman Longin Ziegler.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Sharp soil drainage is especially important. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Plants have good drought tolerance. Best flowering occurs in full sun locations. Stems are more likely to flop if plants are grown in part shade. Cut back plants almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears.

Russian Sage (Perovskia ‘Longin’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Plants tend to sprawl or flop as the summer progresses, but perhaps less so than the somewhat taller species plants.

Uses

Mass or specimen in borders. Silver gray-green foliage and deep blue flowers provide good texture, color and contrast to many other summer blooming plants.

Russian Sage (Perovskia ‘Longin’) Details

Common name	Russian Sage
Botanical name	Perovskia 'Longin'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Blue
Flowering period	June - September
Height	3 - 4 Ft.
Width	2 - 3 Ft.