Russian Sage Salvia 'Little Spire' (PBR) (Pe)
ABOUT
Salvia 'Little Spire' is a perennial plant known for its ornamental qualities and its upright, compact, and bushy habit. The foliage is comprised of lance-shaped leaves that carry a fine texture and are often a grayish-green in color, which provides a lovely contrast to the flowers. These leaves may also emit a pleasant fragrance when disturbed, which adds to the sensory experience of the plant. The most striking feature of Salvia 'Little Spire' is its blooms. Throughout the summer and into the fall, this plant produces stunning flower spikes that rise above the foliage. The flowers are typically a deep violet-blue shade, and they are arranged densely along the spikes, creating a bold and eye-catching display. These blooms are not only a favorite of gardeners for their long flowering period and vivid color but are also popular with pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Due to its erect flowering spikes and mounded foliage, Salvia 'Little Spire' can add a vertical element to garden borders and beds, providing a contrast to plants with different growth habits. It can also be used effectively in container gardening, where its showy flowers and fragrant leaves can be appreciated up close. In summary, Salvia 'Little Spire' is valued for its fragrant, narrow leaves, beautiful spires of violet-blue flowers, and overall bushy appearance that make it an attractive addition to a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Little Spire Russian Sage, Perennial Russian Sage
Common names
Salvia nemorosa 'Little Spire'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Russian Sage is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause mild discomfort if ingested, such as gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation if handled excessively. It is not known to have severe toxic effects when consumed by humans.
To pets
The Russian Sage is not considered highly toxic to pets, but it can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Common symptoms may include vomiting or diarrhea if your pet consumes parts of this plant. It is generally advised to monitor your pet and consult a veterinarian if they ingest a large amount of Russian Sage or if symptoms persist.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Caucasus
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Little Spire' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, which is essential for the pollination of flowers and the production of fruit and seeds.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is quite resilient to drought conditions, which makes it a good choice for water-wise and xeriscape gardens.
- Low Maintenance: With minimal requirements for upkeep, the plant is ideal for gardeners who prefer plants that do not need a lot of attention to thrive.
- Long Blooming: It offers an extended flowering period, usually from late spring to fall, providing sustained color and visual interest in the garden.
- Compact Growth: The 'Little Spire' cultivar has a compact growth habit, making it suitable for small gardens or spaces that cannot accommodate larger plants.
- Deer Resistant: It is generally resistant to deer, which makes it suitable for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Ornamental Value: Salvia 'Little Spire' has striking violet-blue flowers and attractive foliage, which adds ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Easy to Propagate: It can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings or share with others.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden designs, including borders, rock gardens, and containers.
- Fragrance: The foliage often emits a pleasant fragrance, which can add another layer of enjoyment to the garden experience.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Salvia 'Little Spire' can be used in floral arrangements, adding a touch of vertical interest and a soft purple hue to bouquets or indoor floral decorations.
- The plant's striking appearance makes it a good choice for theme gardens, such as a gothic or 'moonlight' garden, where its silvery foliage and lavender flowers add a mysterious ambiance.
- Because of its compact habit, 'Little Spire' can be grown in containers, making it suitable for balcony gardens or as a potted accent on patios and decks.
- The distinctive spires of flowers can serve as natural art, with gardeners using them to create living sculptures or focal points in landscape design.
- The crushed leaves of the Salvia 'Little Spire' are sometimes rubbed on the skin as a natural insect repellent.
- In the culinary world, the flowers may be used as an edible garnish, providing a splash of color and a hint of sage flavor to various dishes.
- This plant can be used in sensory gardens, where the tactile and visual qualities of its foliage and flowers engage visitors, particularly children or those with sensory processing disorders.
- Photographers and painters often use Salvia 'Little Spire' as a subject for art due to its striking color and form, inspiring creative works.
- The plant can act as a natural dye source, offering hues of blue, purple, and green to textiles when used in the dyeing process.
- It can be a teaching tool in schools or educational programs focusing on botany or pollinator attraction, as it draws bees and butterflies to its blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Russian Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Russian Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The genus Salvia is associated with healing properties, and this particular variety may carry connotations of health and recovery.
- Wisdom: Salvia shares its root with the Latin word for wisdom, "sapientia," making it a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.
- Longevity: Given their hardy nature, salvias often represent endurance and long life.
- Protection: In traditional herb lore, salvia plants are thought to offer protection against evil.
WaterRussian Sage 'Little Spire' should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and the soil moisture level. It's best to check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. In hot, dry periods, you might need to water more frequently to maintain moist soil, but take care not to overwater as this plant is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant requires less moisture.
LightRussian Sage 'Little Spire' thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for this plant. The best spot for it is in an area that receives ample sunshine throughout the day. Avoid planting it in heavy shade as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureRussian Sage 'Little Spire' is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but grows best in conditions where the temperature is between 60°F and 70°F. It can survive temperatures as low as -20°F, making it a hardy choice for cooler climates. It is heat tolerant and can withstand high temperatures but might require additional watering during extreme heat.
PruningRussian Sage 'Little Spire' should be pruned in the early spring to promote bushier growth and more flowering. Cut back the previous year's growth by trimming down to about 12 to 18 inches from the ground. Pruning is essential to maintain an attractive shape, prevent overgrowth, and encourage the development of fresh, vibrant stems that will flower in the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLittle Spire Russian Sage thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant would consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part coarse sand or perlite. This blend ensures proper drainage and aeration, which are crucial for the health of the plant.
RepottingLittle Spire Russian Sage does not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting every 3-4 years is sufficient unless the plant shows signs of distress or outgrows its container.
Humidity & MistingLittle Spire Russian Sage prefers low to average humidity levels. It is well-suited for the typical humidity found in most homes and gardens. Excessive humidity can lead to problems such as powdery mildew, so ensure good air circulation for the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, infrequent watering, and good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Little Spire', commonly known as Russian sage, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing into young plants with silver-green foliage. By midsummer, these perennial plants reach maturity and produce small, violet-blue flowers on tall spikes above the foliage. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are attracted to the blooms throughout the flowering period, which lasts until the early fall. As the season transitions to autumn, the plant's above-ground parts die back with the first frosts, while its root system remains dormant throughout the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, Russian sage regrows from its sturdy rootstock, repeating its life cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring to Early Summer
Salvia 'Little Spire', also known as Russian Sage 'Little Spire', is most commonly propagated by cuttings. This method is favored as it allows gardeners to create new plants that are true to the parent plant, with the same characteristics. The best time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer, when the plant is in active growth. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) section just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then, place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil mix, water thoroughly, and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the cutting in indirect light until roots have developed, which should take a few weeks, and then transplant to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
