Images Depict Mature Plants
Little Spire Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire'
Little Spire Russian Sage is a great choice when you like the look of Russian sage but do not want a plant that gets too tall or loose. It brings silver foliage, lavender-blue flowers, pollinator value, and deer resistance into a more compact package. I like it with coneflowers, catmint, lavender, yarrow, ornamental grasses, and sedum in hot sunny beds. Give it full sun, sharp drainage, and a spring cutback, and it is about as easy as a flowering perennial gets.
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Compact Russian Sage with Lavender-Blue Blooms and Silver Foliage
A Smaller Russian Sage for Sunny Gardens.
Little Spire Russian Sage is a compact form of Russian sage grown for its upright habit, silvery aromatic foliage, and airy lavender-blue flower spikes. It delivers the soft, meadow-like look of classic Russian sage in a more manageable size, making it easier to use in smaller borders, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds. The silver foliage and blue flowers create a cool, elegant look in hot, sunny landscapes.
Long-Lasting Lavender-Blue Color.
From midsummer into fall, Little Spire produces clouds of lavender-blue flowers on slender upright stems. The blooms bring late-season color when many spring and early-summer perennials have faded. Plant it in groups for a stronger visual effect, or mix it with coneflowers, yarrow, salvia, lavender, catmint, ornamental grasses, sedum, and black-eyed Susan for a full-sun planting that keeps color moving through summer.
Silver Foliage with Pollinator Appeal.
The gray-green to silver foliage adds texture, fragrance, and contrast even before the flowers open. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators are drawn to the blooms, making Little Spire Russian Sage a strong choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Its airy habit also helps soften hard edges, pathways, patios, and stone walls without feeling heavy.
Deer Resistant and Drought Tolerant Once Established.
Little Spire Russian Sage is generally avoided by deer and rabbits because of its aromatic foliage. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and performs well in hot, dry, sunny locations. It is a practical choice for low-water landscapes, gravel gardens, slopes, curbside beds, and other areas where many flowering perennials struggle in summer heat.
Best in Full Sun and Well-Drained Soil.
Plant Little Spire Russian Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. Lean, sandy, gravelly, or average garden soil is usually better than rich, wet soil. Avoid overwatering and heavy fertilizer, which can encourage floppy growth. Cut plants back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to refresh the clump and support strong flowering stems for the season ahead.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 18 to 24 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 18 to 24 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Soil | Average to lean, sandy, gravelly, or well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Low once established; water regularly during establishment |
| Bloom Time / Color | Midsummer into fall; lavender-blue to violet-blue flowers |
| Ornamental Features | Compact upright habit, silver foliage, lavender-blue flowers, airy texture, long bloom season |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, drought tolerant once established, heat tolerant, low maintenance |
| Landscape Uses | Sunny borders, foundation beds, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, rock gardens, xeriscapes, slopes, mass plantings, curbside beds, low-water landscapes |
How to Care for Little Spire Russian Sage
Before your purchase your Little Spire Russian Sage, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant remains happy and healthy for years to come.
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How should I plant Little Spire Russian Sage?
Plant Little Spire Russian Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose a site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day for the strongest flowering, most upright habit, and best silver foliage color. Avoid wet soil, heavy shade, and low areas where water collects. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the container. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 18 to 24 inches apart for a filled-in border or mass planting while still allowing airflow around the stems.
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How often should I water Little Spire Russian Sage after planting?
Water Little Spire Russian Sage deeply after planting and keep the soil lightly moist while roots establish. During the first growing season, water when the top few inches of soil become dry, especially during hot, windy, or dry weather. Once established, Little Spire Russian Sage is drought tolerant and usually needs little supplemental watering. Deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods is better than frequent shallow watering. Avoid constantly wet soil, which can lead to weak growth or root problems.
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When should I fertilize Little Spire Russian Sage?
Little Spire Russian Sage usually needs little to no fertilizer in average garden soil. If growth is weak, apply a light layer of compost or a very low-rate slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid heavy feeding, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizer. Rich soil and too much fertilizer can encourage soft, floppy growth. Full sun, good drainage, and a spring cutback are more important than frequent feeding.
When and how should I prune Little Spire Russian Sage?
Prune Little Spire Russian Sage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut old stems back to about 6 to 12 inches above the ground, leaving a woody framework or healthy basal buds where new growth can emerge. Avoid cutting it back hard in fall in cold climates, because old stems can help protect the crown through winter. During the growing season, light shaping can be done if needed, but major pruning is best saved for early spring.
