Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

russian sage perennial

When gardeners in New Zealand search for a reliable, drought-tolerant, and breathtaking perennial, the russian sage perennial is often at the top of the list. Renowned for its wispy silver-grey foliage and tall spires of lavender-blue flowers, russian sage is a show-stopping addition to any border or landscape. Flourishing in full sun and well-drained soils, this hardy perennial isn’t just beautiful—it’s also remarkably low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases. Whether you’re looking to add colour and structure to your garden beds, attract pollinators, or create swathes of movement in the breeze, russian sage perennial plants are an excellent choice.

perovskia-blue-spire-

Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

The Perovskia Blue Spire plant, commonly known as the Russian Sage Plant, is a small shrub 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. Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Spire 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.

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
heuchera-kassandra--3
Heuchera Kassandra (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Kassandra is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is a mixture of apricot, lime, and yellow. Flower...

From$21.53
dianthus-memories-
Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are...

From$16.13
Orange flowers on a lush Clivia miniata grandiflora plant.
Clivia miniata grandiflora (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata grandiflora is a stunning perennial known for its large, vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers and dark green strap-like leaves. Ideal...

From$29.63
salvia-la-siesta-
Salvia jamensis La Siesta (Salvia La Siesta)

Salvia La Siesta is a variety of sage grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It produces long and slender, flower spikes...

From$26.93
heuchera-northern-exposure-black--1
Heuchera Northern Exposure Black (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Northern Exposure Black is an herbaceous perennial grown for its richly coloured foliage. The leaves are deep purple-black, wavy, and...

From$21.53
heuchera-glitter-
Heuchera Glitter (Coral Bells)

Heuchera Glitter is an herbaceous perennial grown for its interestingly coloured foliage which is a silver with dark veins and a purple-dark red...

From$21.53
salvia-so-cool-violet-
Salvia So Cool Violet

Salvia So Cool Violet is a variety of Sage grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It produces long and slender, flower...

From$26.93
Armeria maritima 'Alba' plants with green foliage and white flowers.
Armeria maritima 'Alba'

Armeria maritima 'Alba' (White Thrift) is a compact coastal hardy perennial producing masses of pure white pompom flowers above tight evergreen...

From$24.23
Stachys macrantha plants with lush green foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Stachys macrantha

Stachys macrantha is a lovely herbaceous perennial grown for both its flowers and foliage. This small plant produces masses of pink-purple flowers on...

From$22.88
saxifraga-starblush-
Saxifraga Starblush

Saxifraga Starblush is a small herbaceous perennial that forms a low mound of succulent, green foliage which becomes adorned with hot pink flowers...

From$22.88
Alstroemeria 'Inticancha Sunstar' plant in a pot with pink flowers.
Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria Inticancha Sunstar is a compact perennial that dazzles with fiery orange blooms featuring yellow centres and subtle dark markings...

From$44.48
clivia-yellow-
Clivia Yellow (Natal Lily)

Clivia Yellow is an herbaceous perennial grown for its impressive flowers. Clusters of large and showy, yellow flowers are borne on slender stems...

From$21.53
Alchemilla mollis plants with lush green foliage and yellow flowers in a garden.
Alchemilla mollis

Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. Small, bright yellow flowers...

From$17.48
Viola odorata plants with lush green foliage and purple flowers.
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Viola odorata, commonly called Sweet Violet, is a charming perennial known for its fragrant blooms and lush green foliage. Native to Europe but...

From$22.88
Hedychium greenii plants with red flowers.
Hedychium greenii

Hedychium greenii, commonly known as Red Butterfly Ginger, is a striking perennial prized for its lush tropical foliage and vibrant red orange...

From$25.58
gaura-steffi-blush-2
Gaura Steffi Blush Pink

Gaura ‘Steffi Blush Pink’ is a delicate perennial featuring soft pink flowers on slender stems. Blooming from spring through autumn, it adds gentle...

From$24.23
Iris sibirica stunning blue flowers.
Iris sibirica

Iris sibrica (Siberian Iris) is a graceful perennial admired for its slender foliage and elegant blue to purple flowers that bloom in late spring and...

From$26.93
Salvia 'Santa Barbara' shrub in a garden with dark pink flowers.
Salvia Santa Barbara (Mexican Sage)

Salvia Santa Barbara, commonly known as Mexican Sage or Mexican Bush Sage, is grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It...

From$29.63
Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alchemilla, Alstroemeria, Armeria, Clivia, Dianthus, Gaura, Hedychium, Heuchera, Iris, Perovskia, Phlomis, Salvia, Saxifraga Stachys and Viola, or related Categories - Perennials Iris Plants and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search russian sage perennial

Why Choose Russian Sage Perennial for Your NZ Garden?

The russian sage perennial thrives in a wide variety of conditions, making it perfect for both coastal and inland gardens across New Zealand. Its architectural form offers year-round interest, even when not in bloom. The finely cut, aromatic foliage is deer-resistant and highly tolerant of dry, exposed sites—ideal for sustainable, water-wise gardening. The abundant flower spikes, appearing from late spring through to autumn, are magnets for bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.

If you’re looking for a classic variety, consider Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant), the original russian sage perennial. For gardeners seeking more intense colouring and a compact growing habit, Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant) is a modern favourite offering deeper blue blooms.

Complementary Perennials and Companion Planting

Russian sage perennial plants pair remarkably well with other drought-hardy, sun-loving perennials. For harmonious, Mediterranean-inspired borders, combine them with plants like Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage), another striking perennial with whorls of yellow flowers and architectural seed heads. For vertical structure and bold colour contrast, Salvia Caradonna brings rich violet spikes that look stunning alongside the silvery mauve of russian sage.

For a more textured planting scheme, consider incorporating Teucrium hircanicum (Wood Sage), a perennial with deep purple flower spikes and a naturalistic growth habit. All of these companions are adapted to similar conditions, ensuring your garden remains vibrant with minimal care.

Tips for Growing and Caring for Russian Sage Perennial

Plant your russian sage perennial in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Once established, it’s highly tolerant of drought and requires little supplemental water. Cutting back the old woody stems in late winter or early spring encourages vigorous new growth and helps maintain a tidy shape. Russian sage is not fussy about soil type, making it suitable for a broad range of garden situations, from exposed hillsides to urban courtyards.

Mulch around the base in summer to conserve moisture, but be careful not to smother the stems, as good air circulation is key. With its resilience and adaptability, russian sage perennial plants are a rewarding choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Ready to enhance your garden with this versatile perennial? Explore our range, including Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant) and Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant), and discover how easy and beautiful water-wise gardening can truly be.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews