Perovskia atriplicifolia is used en masse in border plantings and rock gardens. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a stunner in my garden.This deciduous perennial has spires of gorgeous bluish-purple flowers, a fresh, sage-like scent and silvery, blue-green foliage. Growing Russian sage in partly shaded locations may cause the plants to sprawl. Leave the old stems on through winter and cut them down to about a foot in the spring to keep the plants from getting woody (which can result in a reduction in foliage and flower quality). There are seven species of Perovskia, but P. atriplicifolia is the only one commonly available. Russian sage has fragrant foliage and attracts hummingbirds, honey bees, and butterflies. Russian sage can be staked, or planted near other plants that will support them. 1. The plants tend to flop a little, especially when young. Russian Sage (Perovskia) has taken the gardening world by storm, rising from obscurity to enormous popularity in the past decade. Has a fruity scent and taste. With its airy spires of small, purple-blue flowers and finely-cut, gray-green foliage on upright, grayish-white stems, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) adds a haze of color to the garden from midsummer into fall, blending well with just about any other flower color. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle, being careful not to damage the roots. Learn about the different types of sage plants here. The blooms have darker markings from the upper petal into the tube. Russian sage plant edible. Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia (/ p ə ˈ r ɒ v s k i ə æ t r ɪ p l ɪ s ɪ ˈ f oʊ l i ə /), and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub.Although not previously a member of Salvia, the genus widely known as sage, since 2017 it has been included within them. It is quite drought resistant. Plants will rot if the soil is too moist. Listed below are few of the common health benefits of consuming Russian Sage. ‘Filigran’ is an introduction from Germany’s Ernst Pagels. Several Russian sage varieties are available on the market. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicofolia) is one of my absolute favorite perennials. Cultivars are generally superior to seed grown plants. The straight species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide. The genus was named by the Russian botanist Karelin about 1840 after B. If you live in the northern reaches of that climate range, you may need to offer potted Russian sage a bit of extra protection during the winter months. - Knowledgebase Question. 0. Russian Sage is extremely valuable for its long season of bloom in the summer garden. It has long stems dotted with small purple flowers and is sometimes used in cut flower arrangements. To increase named varieties, taking 3-4 inch long softwood cuttings in summer is the best method. Add Answer. An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. And even if they are, chances of them being fragrant are quite rare. ‘Blue Spire’ is an upright form with deeply lobed leaves. It is Perovskia atriplicifolia, a native of Afghanistan. Russian Sage Fragrance. It is a member of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) but is not generally considered edible. Inside the tube is a clean white color. The species grows 3 to 4 feet tall, producing lavender blue flowers all summer on fine textured, aromatic, gray-green leaves and gray-white stems. Is russian sage as other sages, used as herbs in cooking? It can also be useful as a filler plant or for separating stronger colors. The flowers and leaves are routinely used in potpourri. 2 litre pot Once well-established, Russian sage is easy to grow, with essentially having no disease or insect problems. RUSSIAN SAGE: Perovskia atriplicifolia: Member $6.95 Non-Member $8.95. This semi-woody plant was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association. Can be used in salads and also fruit salads. If not overpowered by plants with larger, showier flowers, it can serve as a specimen plant. Although the leaves may smell like those of culinary garden sage (Salvia officinalis), Russian sage is technically not a sage. Russian sage has a distinctive scent, reminiscent of lavender, and a fully-grown plant measures around 4 feet wide and 3 to 5 feet tall. Succeeds on poor soil. They can also just be let go to provide a more informal look. Is Russian sage edible? There are several varieties of the plant called sage, but the one you most often find flavoring your breakfast sausage or in your turkey stuffing is common garden sage, or salvia officinalis. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Washington State University's extension office says that in large doses, thujone might cause c… Small plants may be slow to establish. Its fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies. Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is not considered edible. The silver foliage is softened by the sprays of lavender-coloured flowers throughout the warm months. Q. Russian Sage. However, Russian sage also contains thujone, an organic compound that is chemically similar to menthol and is responsible for the scent of the leaves. Russian Sage steeped for 15 to 30 minutes in a covered cup of hot water makes a medicinal tea that can be used to help relieve stomach upset and indigestion. There are, however, still many Russian sage uses. Question by ddjjrr5 August 2, 1999. In the case of the Russian sage, the calyx is covered in coa… Trailing Lantana: Lantana Montevidensis. 'Blue Spires' Russian Sage, a European cultivar, is a vigorous, well-shaped grower with attractive dark-blue flower spikes. This semi-woody plant was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1995 by the Perennial Plant Association. Perennial. There are anecdotal comments on the web of folks who have eaten Perovskia but I would stick with the known sage Salvia officinalis. Perovskia can be used in the middle or back of the border or cottage garden or in many other places in the landscape. Relieves Indigestion. Plants form a bushy upright clump of greyish leaves that are lacy and fragrant. Move Russian sage immediately, preventing dry roots. Bees are a common visitor to the flowers of Russian sage. 0 0. Propagation of Russian Sage: Answered by Nikki on August 23, 2011 Certified Expert . spudType : "upcoming" , A Diggers favourite for its amazing ability to add to any perennial garden. In addition, given their height and their long-bl… Life Happens. Leaves are soft and grayish-green, and emit a subtle, sage-like aroma. [There is some confusion in the nursery trade, and plants sold as this species may actually be a hybrid between P. atriplicifolia and P. The following is a guide to the dangers of growing Russian sage. A. Perovski, the Turkestani governor of the Russian province of Orenburg – but the plant is not native to Russia or a sage (Salvia). Connect with your County Extension Office », Find an Extension employee in our staff directory », Get the latest news and updates on Extension's work around the state, Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: info@extension.wisc.edu | © 2021 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System Privacy Policy | Non-Discrimination Policy | Discrimination and Harassment Complaints | Disability Accommodation Requests | Civil Rights. The deep purple flowers are borne on larger panicles. The silvery foliage and open architecture add an almost-Mediterranean feel to the landscape. It is a gnu project which is similar to the s language and environment which was developed at bell laboratories formerly att now lucent technologies by john chambers and colleagues. A. Russian sage produces small blue flowers on long spikes. This variety has finer, more dissected foliage than the species, giving the plant an almost lacy appearance. Russian sage is a perennial plant that can easily be transplanted to a well-draining soil location with proper care. Russian Sage is not related to the culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) that we use routinely in cooking. It is not necessary for all plants to be flowering. Germination usually takes 1-4 months at a optimum temperature of 60-65ºF. Some sage plants are edible and commonly used for culinary purposes, while other sage plants are purely ornamental. Lupeol, for example, also known as fagarsterol, is a plant sterol found in many plants and fruits with beneficial uses. The flowers are the only part of the plant that is edible, so make sure to avoid eating the slightly toxic … Was this answer useful? It superficially resembles lavender, and can be used in areas too cold to grow lavender reliably. However, they can be dried and used in potpourris. Sage plants encompass a plethora of plants that can be woody shrubs or tender herbs. Although Russian sage is not grouped with the culinary sages, some people do use the plant in foods. The aromatic leaves emit a light herbal scent when crushed, and as noted above, are toxic if consumed. The flowers used to be eaten, but the leaves are definitely not edible. According to Health on the Net Foundation, this perennial herb is native to the Mediterranean. It is completely different from culinary sage ( Salvia officinalis ) and you do not cook with it. The flowers are attractive to bees and other insects. Not really. This member of the mint family (Labiateae) is hardy in zones 4-9. Fertilize before new growth begins in spring. Wear gloves when moving, as the leaves may irritate skin. teaserBase : "https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/events/" }); E-mail us with questions about the Master Gardener Program. Its fine texture makes Russian sage a good choice if you're seeking contrast with plants exhibiting a coarser texture. After the plants are established, they can tolerate drought very well. It is in flower from September to October. Sage's essential oils are thujone and borneol. It is not an edible plant, really. webName: "uwexces", Use it as a specimen in small areas, in mass to intensify its presence in large spaces, or in a long, wide row as a divider hedge. Russian sage is a beautiful perennial with small blue flowers that is neither Russian nor sage. ‘Blue Haze’ has paler blue flowers and nearly entire leaves (not finely cut). The flowers themselves are actually very small bluish purple in color with a four lobed upper petal and a smaller lower petal. Other uses of the herb: This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height. Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: © 2021 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. With semi-woody stems, this member of the mint family is drought tolerant and trouble-free. ‘Little Spire’ Russian sage is a smaller version, reaching a tidy 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. Good drainage and aeration will enable the plant to survive wet winters. Though it has the aroma of sage when the leaves are crushed, the plant is inedible and actually can be quite poisonous. It is a partly edible herb with an interesting peppery flavour. Here is more information about growing this plant;http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/hort/hort_docs/Aug%209%202014%20Russian%20Sage%20-%20West.pdfPlease let me know if you have any further questions.Weston. Carefully dig around roots, starting one foot away from the plant base. A fragrant plant is used to make perfumes and gives you a serene experience. abrotanoides.] Many are perennial in warm climates, but they are also popularly cultivated as annuals in cooler regions. It reaches a height of 3 feet. The sage reference probably comes from the characteristic sage aroma given off when the leaves are crushed. Ask an Expert is made up of groups and individual experts. Radnor, OH. Perovskia atriplicifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. Russian sage, also referred to as perovskia atriplicifolia, is a deciduous perennial 1. Actually Russian Sage is neither Russian nor sage! Container-grown plants are best planted in early spring, setting them at the same depth as they were in the pot, but they can be planted out through the summer until one month before a hard killing frost. Russian sage is hardy in USDA plant hardiness Zones 5 through 10. The tiny, purple-blue, tubular flowers are arranged in whorls along long stems. It is good to know all facts About Russian Sage. http://elpasoco.colostate.edu/hort/hort_docs/Aug%209%202014%20Russian%20Sage%20-%20West.pdf. Fruits and Vegetables. Edible parts of Russian Sage: The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish. 48" tall x 48" wide (cutting propagated). Choose a location with very well-drained soil of average fertility in full sun. Green ovate leaves with stunning red/white flowers - look like a pair of lips on end of white flower. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. While you can't east Russian sage leaves, you can dry them to make a fragrant potpourri. Is Russian Sage Edible? Prefers free draining soil in full sun. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an attractive plant with elongate, gray-green leaves and square, silvery-gray stems that produces an airy cloud of color late in the summer.The tiny, purple-blue, tubular flowers are arranged in whorls along long stems. Russian sage can be grown from seed. How to Grow Russian Sage. Spikes of rich, purple-blue flowers appear late spring, continuing into fall. Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is an attractive plant with elongate, gray-green leaves and square, silvery-gray stems that produces an airy cloud of color late in the summer. A blog about living, decorating, DIY, gardening, food, recipes, style, jewelry, gemstones, traveling, beauty, organizing, and tutorials. Can be a wonderful addition to any coastal garden. Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is not considered edible.The flowers and leaves are routinely used in potpourri. Russian sage has been in cultivation since the mid-1800’s. Russian sage may be slow to establish, but then is a tough garden plant. In Medieval Europe, people used the plant to strengthen memory and promote wisdom. Like many aromatic plants, they are also deer-resistant, and rabbits are unlikely to eat them. However, according to the "Plants for a Future Database", Russian sage is listed as edible, as the "small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish." Russian sage combines well with yellow flowers. I have not tried the flowers but they sound they could be a fun addition to summer salads. Perovskia (pronounced “per-OFF-skee-uh”) is native to Central Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) An initial cold treatment for 10 days to 6 weeks at 35-44ºF may enhance germination, as well as produce a more compact plant. Russian sage is a durable plant suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, but plants in containers are less cold hardy. Use extreme caution when introducing the plants to culinary dishes, and use them only in small doses as garnishes. Is Russian sage edible? Check out this purple lantana for trailing beauty that looks good in containers or beds. Plant Russian sage in full sun and well-drained soil, spacing the plants about 18 inches apart. Set out new plants in early spring, spacing them 2 to 3 feet (.6-.9 m.) apart. Propagation by division is possible, but slow. Other possible combinations include red-leaved barberry or dark green foliage plants for contrast, or blending with other silver-leaved plants. url : { filterview : "Program - Horticulture" } , Harden off the seedlings before planting in the garden, preferably in late spring. Though the leaves of the Russian sage plant are slightly toxic and you should not eat them, the plant's flowers are edible and have a peppery flavor. Answer from NGA August 2, 1999. Sow seed at any time of the year, just covering the seed with medium. Russian Sage is not related to the culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) that we use routinely in cooking. It is hardy to zone (UK) 6 and is not frost tender. Russian sage's garden interest persists well past its blooms have faded. Small purple flowers bloom from summer into fall, drawing butterflies and hummingbirds into the garden. ‘Little Spire’ is more compact, growing only to about 2 feet tall. This selection is well … Russian sage is a great addition to the border, blooming in late summer. Asked by Anonymous on March 10, 2014. The bright blue flowers are borne all summer on upright 2-3 foot spikes. It is interesting to know about Russian Sage fragrance. The flowers are both edible and ornamental, making them a possible edible decoration for salads and desserts. Russian sage is most notably lauded for its flowers and ability to thrive where little else can grow. Thujone is suspected of causing liver damage and is known to cause convulsions in laboratory animals, but only when consume… It combines well with ornamental grasses and white or yellow-flowered perennials, especially white phlox, Rudbeckia (blackeyed Susan) and coreopsis. Is it Russian? Grows to approximately 30 inches. Often what seems like the flowers on Russian sage are actually the calyx,a tube that protects the flowers from damage before they bloom. and Tibet at elevations to 8,000 ft. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. ‘Longin’ has stiff stems, for a more upright, formal growth habit. ‘Blue Spire’ Russian sage tends to grow more upright than the species with stems that reach 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Learn how to plant Russian sage and use his drought-tolerant perennial. You can use the leaves for garnish or steep them in a tea that many claim eases digestive discomfort. At least 10 compounds have been isolated from Russian sage for study and most of them are relatively innocuous. $Trumba.addSpud({ We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. 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