Russian sage (Perovskia x atriplicifolia) is an easy-care, woody stemmed shrub that is highly tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including cold, drought, alkalinity, and salt. It resists insect pests, rabbits, and deer, and attracts butterflies, and is hardy from Zones 5 through 9. Plants can get 3 to 6 feet tall by 2 to 3 feet wide, depending on the variety.

This cousin of  true sage is very widely grown in Northern New Mexico and looks good planted with daylilies, coreopsis (especially ‘Moonbeam’), Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) or dwarf asters. 

Here’s how to keep Russian sage happy:

• Give at least 6 hours of full direct sun daily.

• Plant in well-drained soil.

• When  planting, add root stimulator or a quarter-cup  of Yum-Yum Mix fertilizer (half cup if the plant is 5 gallon container size or larger) to the hole. Both products are available at Payne’s.

• Water deeply twice a week for the first season.

• In winter, mulch with about 4 inches of straw.

• In early spring, after new leaves appear, prune back all dead stems.

• Once every 3 years or so, prune the plant to 6 inches above the ground to make them bloom much more.

• After the first flush of bloom ceases, cut off the old flower heads. This will stimulate a second flowering later in the season.