Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage

Size

Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Jean Baby is a smaller form of Russian sage that packs a long flowering period and vigorous growth. Long spikes of fragrant, lavender-blue flowers appear in midsummer, earlier than other varieties, and persist for almost two months. The slender silver-green foliage provides a fine texture to the landscape and is semi-evergreen in warmer climates. This variety stays tidy and will not flop under heavy blooms. This is an upright shrub with an open, branching habit that reaches almost 3 feet tall and wide. It has excellent cold hardiness to zone 4 and exceptional tolerance to heat and drought. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, but deer and rabbits do not find it palatable. Use Blue Jean Baby as an accent plant in a Mediterranean or herb garden, or plant it in large drifts in a perennial border to attract pollinators all summer. Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage Care Blue Jean Baby thrives in full sun with at least 6 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It grows best planted in average to poor soil conditions, kept on the dry side. The soil must have excellent drainage as Russian sage does not tolerate wet feet. Water weekly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, and then water occasionally during hot, dry spells. This perennial does not need to be fertilized or treated with soil amendments. Prune back hard in early spring to keep plants compact and vigorous. Plants may die back in northern zones but will resprout in the spring. You can divide Russian sage every 4 6 years in spring or fall. Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage Spacing To plant groups of Blue Jean Baby, space individual plants approximately 3 feet apart on center in staggered rows.For container planting, select a weather-resistant pot at least 2 feet in diameter with excellent drainage.