russian sage varieties

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Russian sage varieties are increasingly popular among New Zealand gardeners for their resilient nature, stunning silvery foliage, and wispy lavender-blue blooms. Whether you’re designing a pollinator-friendly border, seeking drought-tolerant options, or simply want a low-maintenance splash of colour, there’s a Russian sage to suit your landscape. This versatile plant’s ability to thrive in sunny, well-drained conditions makes it a staple in modern gardens, and exploring the range of Russian sage varieties can help you create year-round interest and texture.

Salvia leucantha

Salvia leucantha (Mexican Sage Plant) is a spectacular perennial known for its velvety purple and white flower spikes that create a stunning display from late summer through autumn. This popular salvia adds colour, texture, and movement to the garden while attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Buy Salvia leucantha

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 1.25 m

Spread: 1.25 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Perovskia atriplicifolia

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Perovskia atriplicifolia, commonly known as Russian Sage, is a striking perennial admired for its airy spikes of lavender blue flowers and aromatic silver grey foliage. This drought tolerant plant delivers long lasting colour and texture from summer through autumn, adding movement and softness to gardens throughout New Zealand.

Buy Perovskia atriplicifolia

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.25 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Corokia, Perovskia, and Phlomis, or related Categories - Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

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Exploring the Different Russian Sage Varieties

Russian sage belongs to the genus Perovskia, and several distinct varieties stand out for their form and flower colour. The classic species, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is often the starting point for gardeners seeking strong architectural stems and fragrant leaves. If you’re looking for exceptional height and rich blue blossoms, Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant) offers an impressive display, growing up to 1.2 metres tall and flowering throughout summer and autumn.

Other Russian sage varieties include cultivars bred for compact growth, perfect for smaller gardens or pots. Some, like ‘Little Spire’, stay under a metre and work beautifully in borders or alongside patio paths. A variety’s flower shade, leaf cut, and overall shape can add subtle variation to your planting scheme, so mixing different Russian sage varieties can provide layers of colour and texture.

Companion Plants and Alternatives

Russian sage works brilliantly as a companion to many Mediterranean and drought-loving plants. Pairing it with sages like Salvia Embers Wish can boost pollinator activity and introduce a bold contrast in flower colour. For a variegated effect, Salvia Silver Sabre (Variegated Sage) offers cream-edged foliage and a contemporary touch.

If you’re planning a garden with aromatic foliage and soft flower spikes, Turkish sage such as Phlomis russeliana (Turkish Sage) is another excellent choice. Its yellow flowers and woolly leaves complement Russian sage varieties, creating a Mediterranean-inspired landscape that thrives in New Zealand’s climate.

Growing Tips for Russian Sage Varieties

Russian sage varieties are valued for their easy care and adaptability. Plant them in full sun and allow space for their airy, upright growth. These plants are remarkably drought tolerant once established, making them perfect for eco-conscious gardens and reducing water use during dry spells. Prune back stems in late winter to encourage denser growth and invigorate flower production the next season.

To ensure year-round interest, combine Russian sage varieties with other perennials and shrubs and stagger their placement along pathways or borders. Their silver leaves and blue blooms catch the light beautifully, brightening even the toughest corners of your garden.

Discover Your Favourite Russian Sage Variety

Choosing from the many Russian sage varieties can bring striking colour and structure to any New Zealand garden. Explore options like Perovskia Blue Spire (Russian Sage Plant) and Perovskia atriplicifolia (Perovskia plant) to find the ideal plant for your needs. With proper placement and the right companion plants, Russian sage varieties can become a signature feature, providing beauty, resilience, and wildlife appeal year after year.

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.