Perovskia atriplicifolia - Russian Sage

Perovskia atriplicifolia is a great plant for the sunny perennial or shrubby border. The soft grey leaves and blue flowers are showy for a long time in the garden. Not much that a California Winter can throw out will ever present a problem for this hardy plant. Perovskia atriplicifolia can take Winter conditions in zone 3. Even if the plants don't die back in our mild climate, I still cut the Russian Sage nearly to the ground each winter. This hard trimming clears out the previous years branches which die back to near the base regardless. Reasonable drainage is about the only rigid requirement for Perovskia atriplicifolia. Second year growth barely puts on flowers