How big does Russian sage grow?

About 1.2 m × 1 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Russian sage grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Russian sage hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Russian sage flower?

Flowering: June–October, blue, purple.

How much water does Russian sage need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Russian sage cost?

It sells for roughly €6.50 to €24 in local shops, depending on size.

Russian sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a perennial that reaches 1.2 m × 1 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €6.50.

Illustration of Russian sage — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A subshrub with silvery, aromatic foliage that carries a haze of lavender-blue flowers from midsummer into autumn and is very popular with bees. It copes with blazing sun, drought and poor, limy soil, and all it asks is a hard cut back to about a hand above the ground each spring. In part shade or in rich, moist soil it stretches and flops, so give it the sunniest, driest spot you have.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. In heavy soil that stays wet in winter the roots rot, which is the most common reason for losing it. Tall forms tend to flop by late summer, especially in rich soil or with too little sun.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, blue, purple

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 1 m
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, blue, purple
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	70 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €6.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €18
40-50 cm	approx. €13
size not stated	approx. €6.50 – €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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