Russian sage may be the ubiquitous low-water garden plant. With its grey green, aromatic foliage, and azure blue spires, it provides a long-lasting show in hot, dry gardens. It grows to 3 to 5 feet tall, and nearly as wide. It is a woody perennial and forms a very hard trunk over time. It is both airy and substantial, and partners well with herbaceous perennials, woody shrubs, or ornamental grasses. It also would grow well against a south or west facing wall or fence.
Grow in full sun and well drained soil. Tolerates a wide range of soils including loamy-clays, poor soils, and sandy soils. Tolerates a lot of heat, including reflective heat. Over-watering will cause the plant to grow larger than is typical, to be a bit floppy, and to spread, sometimes with reckless abandon. Cut back hard in late winter to early spring (see Guides).