Russian Sage loves Utah!

Russian Sage - Perovskia atriplicifolia - is one of the best waterwise plants for Utah.  It is not Russian, however.  It is native to the mountainous regions of central Asia - places like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.  It is also not sage, though it has a pungent fragrance similar to sages (salvias).  Extreemly hardy, Russian Sage grows very well in our climate; cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers.  It can survive here with no extra water other than what falls out of the sky.  It can tolerate water if it is planted in a garden with other plants that need regular watering.  Russian Sage does best in full sun.  Give it lots of room as it is a large plant;  4 - 5' tall!  Regular selective deadheading will keep it blooming all summer and into the fall. You can cut it down in the fall or in the spring and it will grow back to full size in summer.  Bees and butterflies love it!

Russian Sage - Perovskia atriplicifolia