Russian Sage 'Little Spire'

A more compact and upright version of the popular Russian Sage, 'Little Spire' is a deciduous sub-shrub that brings an airy, Mediterranean feel to even smaller UK gardens. It features finely-dissected, aromatic, grey-green leaves that are held on distinctive silvery-white stems. From mid-summer through to early autumn, it produces a profusion of hazy, tubular, lavender-blue flowers on long, thin spikes. The overall effect is like a soft blue mist. It is extremely hardy (H5) and drought-tolerant, thriving in poor, well-drained soils and full sun. Unlike the species, 'Little Spire' is less prone to flopping and maintains its vertical structure throughout the season. It should be cut back hard to within a few inches of the ground in late spring to encourage vigorous new growth and a better floral display. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies and looks stunning when planted in drifts or paired with ornamental grasses.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.