Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby' (PBR)
Russian sage
A long season of colour makes this compact perennial a brilliant choice for sunny borders and smaller gardens. Upright stems carry finely divided, aromatic grey-green foliage, creating a neat, airy shape that works well towards the front of a border or in containers.
From midsummer into autumn, smoky purple calyxes are topped with masses of vivid blue-purple flowers, giving Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby' plenty of late-season impact. The blooms are particularly useful for extending colour when many summer perennials are beginning to fade, while also providing a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
From midsummer into autumn, smoky purple calyxes are topped with masses of vivid blue-purple flowers, giving Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby' plenty of late-season impact. The blooms are particularly useful for extending colour when many summer perennials are beginning to fade, while also providing a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
How to care for Perovskia atriplicifolia Blue Jean Baby (PBR):
Perovskia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for Mediterranean-style or gravel gardens. This Russian Sage is drought-tolerant once established but overwatering or rich soil leads to weak growth and fewer flowers.
Avoid pruning back in autumn as winter seed heads provide interest and food for birds. In March, prune hard to 15-30cm (6-12in) from the ground to promote bushier growth and prevent flopping, then apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of well-rotted compost or manure around the base, avoiding the stems.
Avoid pruning back in autumn as winter seed heads provide interest and food for birds. In March, prune hard to 15-30cm (6-12in) from the ground to promote bushier growth and prevent flopping, then apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) layer of well-rotted compost or manure around the base, avoiding the stems.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
