Perovskia atriplicifolia
| Perovskia atriplicifolia | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 5' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Early Fall-Mid Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Perovskia atriplicifolia (common name: russian sage)
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of softwood in late spring in a frame[1]. Easy[1].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7cm long with a heel, July/August in a cold frame[1].
Cultivation: Prefers a rich well-drained dry soil and a sunny position[2][3][4][5][1]. Tolerates light shade but plants become more lax in habit in such a situation[1]. Succeeds in poor soils and, once established, tolerates drought[5]. Tolerant of dry chalk soils, it also succeeds in maritime gardens[1].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c, though the stems are often cut back by hard frosts[1].
A very ornamental plant[2]. In cultivation people often cut the plants to the ground in the spring in order to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers[5][1][6].
Plants rarely produce seed in Britain[1].
The crushed leaves are very aromatic[5].
There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value[1].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Habitat: Open rocky places[4]. Freely draining gravels and screes[1].
Edibility: The small lavender flowers have a sweet flavour and can be eaten in salads or used as a garnish[7][8].
Medicinal: The plant is used as a cooling medicine in the treatment of fevers[9].
Usage: This species is suitable for forming an internal decorative hedge of moderate height[1].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Chatto, Beth. The Damp Garden. Dent, 1982.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.