By Nancy Brachey
McClatchy Newspapers
Q. I was in Santa Fe this week and fell in love with Russian sage. Will it grow well in other areas? I think it is gorgeous and smells wonderful.
A. Russian sage is a fine perennial provided you do not plant it where the soil stays wet. It also requires lighter soil than clay to ensure the excellent drainage required. Soggy soil around the base of the plant, especially in winter, will kill a Russian sage. Its assets include drought tolerance, resistance to deer, an upright shape and long-lasting lavender flowers in summer.
Russian sage normally rises 3 to 5 feet. However, smaller varieties such as Little Spire, growing 2 to 3 feet tall, are well suited to smaller flower gardens. The arching stems and silver-gray foliage makes nice contrast to Shasta daises, coneflowers, black-eyed susans and other flowers with dark green leaves and round flowers. They are sold widely in garden centers that stock perennials.