Russian Sage Salvia yangii Silvery Blue = 'Lissvery' (PBR) (Pe)
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ABOUT
Salvia yangii Silvery Blue, commonly known as Russian sage 'Lissvery', is a distinctive and attractive perennial plant. Its appearance is characterized by a profusion of small, delicate blue flowers that create a misty effect when blooming en masse. The foliage is finely textured, with leaves that have a silver-grey hue, providing a cool and soothing contrast to the warm vibrancy of the flowers. The leaves may also have a slightly furry or felt-like texture, adding another layer of tactile interest to the plant. The plant's overall form is rounded and bushy, presenting a compact mass of color and texture. The delicate flowers are borne on slender stems, which add a sense of lightness and movement to the plant's structure. Russian sage 'Lissvery' is often valued for its airy, ethereal quality and its ability to bring a subtle splash of color to a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Russian Sage 'Lissvery', Perovskia 'Lissvery', Silvery Blue Russian Sage.
Common names
Salvia yangii Silvery Blue = 'Lissvery' (PBR) (Pe).
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia yangii, commonly known as Russian sage, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in some individuals.
To pets
Russian sage is also not considered highly toxic to pets. If ingested, it may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but no severe toxicity is typically associated with this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: The 'Lissvery' cultivar is known for its attractive silvery-blue foliage that adds visual interest to garden spaces.
- Drought tolerance: Being a type of sage, Salvia yangii 'Lissvery' (formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia) is drought-resistant and suitable for xeriscaping or dry climate gardens.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
- Ease of cultivation: Salvia yangii 'Lissvery' is known to be easy to grow in a variety of soils, requiring little to no fertilization.
- Long blooming season: The plant produces small, lavender-blue flowers from midsummer to fall, providing extended color in the garden.
- Pest resistance: It's typically resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Deer resistance: Salvia yangii 'Lissvery' has natural resistance to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried Flower Arrangements: The Salvia 'Silvery Blue' can be used for its attractive silvery-blue foliage and delicate blooms in dried flower arrangements providing a long-lasting and unique touch to interior decor.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and flowers of the 'Silvery Blue' may be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering a range of colors from green to blue.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinctive color and texture of the 'Silvery Blue' provides inspiration for artists and can be used as a subject in botanical watercolor or photography.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of the 'Silvery Blue' are edible and can be crystallized or used fresh as a decorative and subtly flavored garnish for salads and desserts.
- Scented Sachets: Dried 'Silvery Blue' leaves and flowers can be assembled into sachets to impart their fragrance to linens and clothing.
- Craft Projects: The stems and flowers can be incorporated into wreaths, crowns, and other decorative crafts for adding a natural and aesthetic component.
- Companion Planting: 'Silvery Blue' can be planted in gardens as a companion plant to help attract beneficial insects and repel certain pests naturally with its aromatic properties.
- Decorative Mulch: The dried leaves can serve as a visually appealing and aromatic mulch for potted plants or small garden beds.
- Floral Infused Oils: Petals of 'Silvery Blue' can be steeped in oils to create floral-infused oils for use in homemade candles or as a base for perfumes.
- Bookmark Creation: Pressed 'Silvery Blue' flowers can be used to create unique and natural bookmarks for bibliophiles looking for a touch of nature in their reading material.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRussian Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRussian Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: As a member of the sage family, which Latin name is "Salvia," the plant symbolizes wisdom due to its etymological connection to the word "sage," often associated with wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Sage plants, including Salvia yangii, have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties, which includes promoting longevity and good health.
- Protection: Historically, sage has been thought to have protective qualities, with some cultures burning sage to purify and protect spaces from negative influences.
- Healing: The sage plant is often associated with healing, both physical and spiritual, because of its use in natural medicine and various cultural healing rituals.
WaterRussian Sage should be watered regularly during its first growing season to help establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. During dry spells, provide a deep watering every two weeks, using approximately one gallon of water per plant. During the cooler months, reduce watering but do not let the soil completely dry out. In hot summer regions, supplemental watering might be needed to keep the plant healthy, especially in sandy or well-drained soils.
LightRussian Sage thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal location for this plant is in a spot where it will receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be less abundant, and the plant may become leggy as it reaches for the light.
TemperatureRussian Sage is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures down to about -20°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. It can tolerate high summer temperatures but should be provided with adequate water during extremely hot periods to prevent stress.
PruningPrune Russian Sage in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the previous year's stems to about 6 inches from the ground. Pruning can also stimulate a denser growth habit and enhance flowering. It's generally recommended to prune annually, as this plant can become woody and unkempt if left unpruned.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRussian Sage 'Lissvery' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage constitutes the best soil mix for this plant.
RepottingRussian Sage 'Lissvery' does not need frequent repotting as it prefers to be somewhat root-bound; repot every 2-3 years or when growth appears stunted.
Humidity & MistingRussian Sage 'Lissvery' is tolerant of dry air and does not require high humidity levels; average room humidity is sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia yangii Silvery Blue, commonly known as Russian Sage 'Lissvery', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, will germinate and develop into a seedling under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. As it grows, the plant forms a sturdy root system and shoots that develop into a bushy habit with its distinctive silver-blue foliage. During spring and summer, the mature plant produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall naturally to potentially give rise to new plants. In the fall, after the growing season, the aerial parts of the plant die back with the onset of colder temperatures, but the root system remains alive, enabling the plant to survive winter and regrow the following spring. This perennial cycle of active growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy repeats annually throughout the plant's life span.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Russian Sage 'Lissvery' is by softwood cuttings usually taken in late spring or early summer. This involves cutting a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) length from a healthy, non-flowering stem, stripping the lower leaves, and dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone powder or solution. The cutting is then placed in a well-drained soil mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is below the soil surface. The environment should be kept humid by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator and making sure it receives indirect sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted to its final location.
