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Common Name: Russian Sage

General Information

Perovskia atriplicifolia is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from NE Afghanistan to the Tibetan Plateau.

Habitat

Open rocky places[]. Freely draining gravels and screes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position[, , , , ]. Tolerates light shade but plants become more lax in habit in such a situation[]. Succeeds in poor soils and, once established, tolerates drought[]. Tolerant of dry chalk soils, it also succeeds in maritime gardens[].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts[].
A very ornamental plant[]. In cultivation people often cut the plants to the ground in the spring in order to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers[, , ].
Plants rarely produce seed in Britain[].
The crushed leaves are very aromatic[].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is used as a cooling medicine in the treatment of fevers[].

Other Uses

This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of softwood in late spring in a frame[]. Easy[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, mid summer in a cold frame[].