Botanical Name: Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
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Common Name: Blue Spire Russian Sage  
Plant photo of: Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Violet

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Grey

 

Bark Color

Brown, White

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: El Nativo Growers, Inc.

  • Description

  • Notes

'Blue Spire' is a selection of perovskia that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide (though it will grow larger if over-watered). New wood is white and fuzzy; leaves are a soft green to grey-green and finely cut, giving it an airy appearance. Flower spires of fuzzy, lavender blue flowers begin in June and continue through the summer months. Useful in the perennial or shrub border, with ornamental grasses, and as a cut flower.
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).