10 Best Companion Plants for Russian Sage

Oleh Anonymous October 02, 2021 Post a Comment

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Russian Sage: An Overview

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is an ornamental herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to northern Asia, but it has become popular all over the world for its stunning purple-blue flowers and silvery-gray foliage. This hardy perennial plant is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners.

One of the best things about Russian sage is that it pairs well with other plants in the garden. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 companion plants for Russian sage.

The Top 10 Companion Plants for Russian Sage

1. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are another popular perennial that blooms in late summer. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and orange. When paired with Russian sage, the tall, spiky flowers of coneflowers complement the airy, billowy texture of Russian sage. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-draining soil.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-eyed Susans are bright, cheery perennials that bloom from mid-summer to fall. They have yellow petals with dark centers, which provide a striking contrast to the purple-blue flowers of Russian sage. Like Russian sage, black-eyed Susans prefer full sun and well-draining soil.

3. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)

Catmint is a low-growing perennial that produces lavender-blue flowers in late spring and early summer. It has a similar texture and color to Russian sage, making it an excellent companion plant. Catmint is also known for its ability to attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.

4. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

Salvias come in many different varieties, but the most popular one for pairing with Russian sage is Salvia nemorosa. This perennial produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The compact size of Salvia nemorosa makes it an ideal border plant for Russian sage.

5. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly weed is a native wildflower that blooms in mid-summer. It has bright orange flowers that are a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators. When planted with Russian sage, butterfly weed adds a pop of color and attracts wildlife to the garden.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a tough, low-maintenance perennial that blooms in mid-summer. It comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. When planted with Russian sage, yarrow provides a colorful contrast and adds texture to the garden.

7. Allium (Allium spp.)

Alliums are bulbs that produce globe-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, from small purple flowers to giant white balls. When planted with Russian sage, alliums add vertical interest and provide a striking contrast to the billowy foliage of Russian sage.

8. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that blooms in late spring and early summer. It has gray-green foliage and purple flowers that are a favorite of bees and other pollinators. When planted with Russian sage, lavender provides a similar texture and color to the garden.

9. Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora)

Feather reed grass is a tall, clumping grass that blooms in mid-summer. It has feathery plumes of flowers that sway in the breeze. When paired with Russian sage, feather reed grass provides a vertical element to the garden and adds movement.

10. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

Sedums are low-growing succulent plants that bloom in late summer and fall. They come in a variety of colors and textures, from green rosettes to pink flowers. When planted with Russian sage, sedums provide a colorful contrast and add texture to the garden.

Additional Tips for Pairing Plants with Russian Sage

When choosing companion plants for Russian sage, consider the following tips:

Choose plants that have similar growing conditions (full sun, well-draining soil, etc.)
Pair plants with different bloom times to ensure year-round interest in the garden
Consider using plants with contrasting colors and textures for visual interest
Avoid planting aggressive or invasive species that may overtake Russian sage

FAQs

Q1: Can Russian sage be grown in containers?

Yes, Russian sage can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix and water regularly.

Q2: How often should I fertilize my Russian sage?

Russian sage does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year to promote healthy growth.

Q3: How do I prune Russian sage?

Prune Russian sage in early spring by cutting back the previous year's growth to a few inches above the ground. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Q4: Is Russian sage deer-resistant?

Yes, Russian sage is deer-resistant due to its strong scent and bitter taste. However, it may still be eaten by other wildlife, such as rabbits.

Q5: Can Russian sage be propagated from cuttings?

Yes, Russian sage can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight until they have rooted.