Practical
Plants

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Russian Sage

a perennial member of the Perovskia genus in the family Labiatae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Life cycle
perennial
Height
1.5 m
Spread
1 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish[3][4].

Plant part
Flowers

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is used as a cooling medicine in the treatment of fevers[9].

Product or use
Febrifuge

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height[7].

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Habitat
Open rocky places[5]. Freely draining gravels and screes[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of softwood in late spring in a frame[7]. Easy[7]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, July/August in a cold frame[7].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position[1][2][5][6][7]. Tolerates light shade but plants become more lax in habit in such a situation[7]. Succeeds in poor soils and, once established, tolerates drought[6]. Tolerant of dry chalk soils, it also succeeds in maritime gardens[7]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts[7]. A very ornamental plant[1]. In cultivation people often cut the plants to the ground in the spring in order to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers[6][7][8]. Plants rarely produce seed in Britain[7]. The crushed leaves are very aromatic[6]. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[7].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

  5. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2

  6. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12

  8. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  9. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩

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