Plant field guide
Russian Sage
Airy, aromatic sub-shrub with silvery foliage and clouds of tiny blue flowers. Incredibly drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Salvia yangii
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 36 in (91 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spread
- 24 in (61 cm) – 36 in (91 cm)
- Spacing
- 24 in (61 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–9; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Cut back to 6-12 inches in spring. Do not prune in fall. Needs excellent drainage. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Pruning
Cut back to 6-12 inches in spring when new growth appears at base. Do NOT prune in fall.
Fertilizer
None needed
Does not need fertilizer
Mulch
Gravel or light mulch. Excellent drainage essential.