Salvia yangii 'Russian Sage'

Plant name: Salvia yangii ‘Russian Sage’

Scientific name: Salvia yangii (formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Plant description:
Salvia yangii, commonly known as Russian Sage, is a woody-based perennial valued for its silvery foliage and long season of blue-violet bloom. It forms an airy, upright clump with branching stems that create a soft, cloud-like effect in the landscape. This drought-tolerant plant is widely used in sunny borders and large-scale plantings for its structure, color, and resilience.

Flower description:
Slender spikes of small, tubular blue to lavender flowers appear along the upper stems from mid-summer into fall. The blooms are lightly fragrant and attract bees and other pollinators. Flowering occurs over an extended period, with new buds continuing to open along the stems.

Leaf description:
Leaves are finely divided, gray-green to silver, and aromatic when crushed. The foliage has a soft texture and provides strong contrast against green-leaved perennials. Stems often carry a silvery cast that enhances the plant’s overall light-toned appearance.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Deciduous perennial

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 4–9

Mature height and width:
Typically 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions

Landscape uses:
Suitable for mixed perennial borders, xeriscape gardens, pollinator plantings, and mass landscape installations. Effective as a backdrop for lower-growing perennials or combined with ornamental grasses. Its airy structure works well in contemporary and informal designs.

Native range:
Native to central Asia, including regions of Afghanistan and surrounding areas

Sun exposure:
Full sun is required for sturdy stems and abundant flowering. Reduced light can result in weaker growth and fewer blooms.

Water requirements:
Low to moderate water needs. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and performs best in well-drained soil. Avoid heavy, poorly drained sites.

Pests and problems:
Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Root rot may occur in soils that remain consistently wet. Overly fertile soil can cause excessive growth and flopping.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and direct sun. Maintains performance in hot, dry conditions when planted in well-drained soil.

Cold tolerance:
Hardy to USDA Zone 4. Top growth dies back after frost, with new stems emerging from the base in spring. Proper drainage improves winter survival in colder climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in sharply drained soil with moderate fertility. Cut back stems in late winter or early spring to encourage strong new growth. Avoid heavy fertilization, which can reduce structural strength. Space plants adequately to promote airflow and reduce humidity around the foliage. Leaving some stem structure through winter can provide seasonal interest and help protect the crown.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.