Denim ‘N Lace Russian sage is our Plant of the Week this week. Russian sage is a great spreading perennial for the garden. It fills in areas quickly and nicely by rhizomes. The silver-blue flowers add attraction to the garden.
Russian sage is hardy from Zones 5 to 10. In colder winters, it will die back to the ground, but generally does not. Denim ‘N Lace grows 2 1/2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, while slightly spreading outward by rhizomes. Other cultivars grow from 2 to 6 feet tall.
The leaves of Russian sage are silvery-green-gray, adding contrast to the garden. The flowers arise above the leaves and are shades of lavender, purple, or gray-purple. I have seen numerous pollinators on the flowers, from bumblebees to hummingbirds. https://www.livescience.com/57509-bumblebee-facts.html
Russian sage grows best in well-drained soils, but grows very well in heavy clay soils. It is adaptable and can withstand heat and drought without complications.
I like to prune Russian sage down by 1/3 to 3/4 in early spring, since the plant blooms on new growth best. Pruning can be done easily with pruners, shears, or a string trimmer and blade.
I love Denim ‘N Lace Russian Sage because it is shorter than other cultivars and fits nicely in to landscapes. It is very hardy and has lovely blue-green foliage that stands out in summer and fall – Nadine Champlin, Landscape Designer at Prairie Place Designs
Russian sages bloom from July to October, or until the first frost in your area. You can find Russian sage Denim ‘N Lace at http://www.grimmsgardens.com/shop/ or at one of garden centers. Our main location is 2991 Goldfinch Road, Hiawatha, KS. We also have a store in Nebraska City, NE.
Happy planting!
