russian sage lavender

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Are you searching for a vibrant, drought-tolerant plant to add lasting beauty and movement to your garden? Many people looking for "russian sage lavender" are captivated by the silvery, aromatic foliage and purple-blue flower spikes both Russian sage and lavender offer. While these two plants share similar colours and growing requirements, Russian sage is not a true lavender, but rather belongs to the Perovskia genus. Both are beloved for their cloud-like effect in borders and naturalistic gardens across New Zealand.

Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage)

5

Commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, this is a small shrub grown for both its foliage and flowers. The foliage comprises lush, dark green leaves held on upright stems. These are complemented with showy clusters of pale yellow, “hooded” flowers, which are produced year-round, but predominantly in summer. It grows as a multi-stemmed plant to about 50 cm tall and 70 cm wide, and peforms best when grown in full sun on a well-drained, sheltered site. It is tolerant of dry periods, light frosts, and coastal environments. This variety of Phlomis is commonly added to a mixed planting, included in borders, or included anywhere its year-round beauty can be appreciated.

Buy Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage)

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock

Lavender 'Fairy Wings Whimsical'

5

Lavender 'Whimsical Fairy Wings' is a captivating lavender variety admired for its soft pink purple blooms topped with delicate wing-like bracts. Flowering from early spring into summer, it brings fragrance, colour, and gentle charm to New Zealand gardens. Its compact, rounded habit makes it ideal for borders, pathways, pots, and cottage garden plantings. This hardy and easy care lavender is perfect for gardeners wanting long lasting flowering and a uniquely enchanting look.

Buy Lavender 'Fairy Wings Whimsical'

From $24.15

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Lavender, Phlomis, Salvia Santolina and Wisteria, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search russian sage lavender

What Is Russian Sage Lavender?

The phrase "russian sage lavender" refers to the popular habit of blending Russian sage (typically Perovskia atriplicifolia) with true lavenders in garden designs. Russian sage features upright, finely dissected grey-green leaves and wispy spikes of blue-lavender flowers from midsummer into autumn. This look closely resembles lavender, and the two complement each other beautifully in perennial beds, Mediterranean gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. For those seeking the best features of both plants, Russian sage offers even more resilience, thriving in sun-baked, poor soils where other species may struggle.

Choosing Russian Sage or Lavender for Your New Zealand Garden

If you’re debating between Russian sage and lavender, consider your garden’s conditions and your desired aesthetic. Russian sage is especially renowned for its toughness and stunning impact in mass plantings. One of the best cultivars is Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant), known for its long-blooming, smoky-blue flowers and strong upright habit. For the original species, view Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant), which delivers the same silvery form and feathery texture.

Lavender prefers well-drained soils and hot conditions, just like Russian sage. When combined, they create a tapestry of fragrance and subtle purple tones, drawing bees and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms.

Design Ideas With Russian Sage Lavender

Blending Russian sage with lavender transforms your landscape with soft, hazy hues and movement. Interplant with hardy perennials like Penstemon Cha Cha Lavender to extend the season of colour and interest. For additional texture and a different shade of purple, consider Grewia Lavender Star (Lavender Star Flower). If you’d like to expand your sage collection, the yellow whorls of Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage) pair well with the blue tones of Russian sage, adding contrast and architectural form.

Care Tips for Russian Sage and Lavender

Both Russian sage and lavender thrive in full sun with minimal watering once established, making them ideal for low-maintenance or coastal gardens. Simply plant in free-draining soil, avoid over-fertilising, and prune back in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy new growth.

Create A Soothing, Low-Maintenance Kiwi Garden

Whether you’re after the resilience of Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant) or the flower power of Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant), these sage-like wonders can bring elegant, easy-care beauty to your New Zealand garden. Discover the possibilities by pairing "russian sage lavender" for a garden that’s as hardy as it is enchanting.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.