Salvia 'Little Spire'
Common name(s): Russian sage
Description: perennial; a hybrid of several Salvia species that were formerly considered be in the genus Perovskia. Raised from seed and introduced by Herbert Oudshoorn of The Netherlands in 1998. Notable as a particularly low-growing selection of Russian sage. Aromatic gray-green foliage and long, blue-violet flower spikes from summer until first frost. Adored by pollinators.
Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.
Position: full sun and well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators
Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below
Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought
Care: prune to 6 inches above the ground in spring (after all danger of last frost) to rejuvenate foliage. Adding a 1-2 inch layer of gravel around the base increases survivability and prevents crown rot. Cutting back spent blooms in summer will encourage more blooming but is not necessary. No fertilizer.