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russian sage lavender

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.

perovskia-atriplicifolia--1

Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

5 from 2 customers

Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage or Russian Lavender, is a small and erect shrub that is grown for its fine foliage and impressive flowers. Masses of tiny, dark blue flowers are borne on upright stems above the foliage through summer and autumn. The foliage comprises white stems which bear fine grey leaves as it grows to 1 m tall and the same wide. This Perovskia plant is commonly used in Mediterranean gardens, included in a mixed planting, added to borders, used in coastal gardens, or planted as a lovely backdrop to smaller plants. This is a popular landscaping plant.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
phlomis-russeliana-

Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage)

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
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Salvia jamensis La Siesta (Salvia La Siesta)

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Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Hebe, Lavandula, Lavender, Perovskia, Phlomis Salvia 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.


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