Do I need to prune it?

Yes, cut it back to about 15 centimeters in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

Does it need fertilizer?

It actually prefers lean soil and rarely needs supplemental feeding.

Plant guide

Russian sage.

Salvia yangii

Pronounced SAL-vee-uh YAN-gee-eye

Also known as Russian Sage, Swanleaf Clouding Sage

Swanleaf Clouding Sage — Photo by Andrew GottWorth (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Russian sage is a tough, woody perennial that brings a lovely airy texture to the garden. It produces spikes of lavender blue flowers that look great against its silvery foliage. You will love how it attracts pollinators all summer long.

Another photo of Russian sage — Photo by Jennifer Heron (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial shrub
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 4 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Plant this in a spot with excellent drainage to keep the roots happy. Watch for wilting if the soil stays soggy, as it prefers to dry out between drinks. Prune it back hard in early spring to encourage fresh, bushy growth.

Watering: Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out completely between sessions.
Feeding: A light application of compost in the spring is usually plenty for this hardy plant.
Pruning: Cut the stems back to about 6 to 10 inches above the ground every spring.
Repotting: If growing in a container, move it to a slightly larger pot only when it becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or rocky soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -29 to 35°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in

Safety

People: It is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Children: The stems are somewhat woody and can be sharp if broken, so keep it away from small children.
Contact allergens: The foliage can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to volatile oils.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may trigger mild seasonal allergies in some people.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Silvery gray green foliage
Tall spikes of lavender flowers
Aromatic leaves when crushed
Woody base with upright stems

Height: 0.9 to 1.5m
Spread: 0.6 to 0.9m
Leaves: silver, gray-green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender, blue, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Root rot · This occurs when the soil stays too wet for too long.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: Leave the stems standing through winter to protect the crown, then prune back in early spring.
In containers: It grows well in large pots with excellent drainage, but ensure the container is at least 40 centimeters wide.

Softwood cuttings

1. Take 10 centimeter cuttings in late spring.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Place in moist, sandy potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until rooted.

Pair this with other drought-tolerant perennials that enjoy full sun and well-draining soil.

Grows well with

Coneflower · They share similar water and sun requirements.
Sedum · The textures contrast beautifully in a dry garden.

Similar species

Lavender · Both offer aromatic foliage and spikes of blue flowers.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Central and southwestern Asia.
Conservation: This plant is not currently of conservation concern.

It survives in arid, rocky environments by developing deep roots and using silver foliage to reflect intense sunlight.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental border, xeriscaping, pollinator garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 2/9
Nutrients: 2/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need to prune it?: Yes, cut it back to about 15 centimeters in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Does it need fertilizer?: It actually prefers lean soil and rarely needs supplemental feeding.

Where the name comes from

The species name honors the botanist Yang, while the common name Russian sage comes from its former genus Perovskia, named after the Russian general Vasily Perovsky, and from its sage-like scent.

Good to know

It is incredibly drought tolerant once established.
The entire plant is aromatic when crushed.
It thrives in poor, rocky soils where other plants struggle.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.