Overview
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' is a upright, bushy perennial subshrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, aromatic, silvery-grey foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and xeriscaping. It is native to Central Asia.
About
Salvia yangii, previously known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, and commonly called Russian sage, is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant and subshrub. Although not previously a member of Salvia, the genus widely known as sage, since 2017 it has been included within them.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia yangii
About the genus
Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salvia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial subshrub
- Habit
- Upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Aromatic, Silvery-grey
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, xeriscaping
- Native to
- Central Asia
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, sage-like
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back hard in early spring to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Spider mites
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'?
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' need?
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'?
Cut back hard in early spring to encourage new growth.
How big does Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' grow?
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' hardy in the UK?
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'?
Softwood cuttings, division.
More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
- Rosmarinus prostratus
- Salvia 'Black and Blue'
- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'
- Salvia 'Rose Queen'
- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
- Salvia bicolorSage
- Salvia forskaohleiSage
