Images Depict Mature Plants
A Compact Russian Sage with Sky Blue Flowers and Strong Upright Stems
Sky Blue Blooms on a Stronger, More Compact Russian Sage
Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage is a compact Perovskia cultivar grown for its sky blue flowers, amethyst calyxes, aromatic foliage, and strong upright habit. It delivers the airy blue color gardeners love about Russian Sage in a more refined, garden-friendly form that is easier to use in sunny borders, foundation beds, pollinator gardens, and low-water landscapes.
Compared with older Russian Sage varieties that can become loose or floppy, Denim ’n Lace offers a denser habit and stronger stems. The flowers are held closely along the stems, creating a fuller blue effect from midsummer into fall. This makes it a strong choice for homeowners who want drought-tolerant color without sacrificing structure.
Long Summer-to-Fall Color with Amethyst Calyxes
Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage blooms from summer into fall with lacy sky blue flowers held on showy purple to amethyst calyxes. Even after the individual flowers fade, the colorful calyxes help extend the plant’s ornamental value and keep the planting looking lively.
The airy blue flower spikes create a soft haze above gray-green aromatic foliage. This color works beautifully with yellow, white, pink, purple, orange, burgundy, and silver planting combinations. Use it to cool down hot summer borders or to add movement and texture among bolder perennials and ornamental grasses.
Perfect for Full Sun Borders, Xeriscapes, and Pollinator Gardens
Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage is ideal for full sun perennial borders, xeriscape gardens, pollinator beds, cottage gardens, rock gardens, dry slopes, foundation plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes. Its compact size makes it easier to place than larger Russian Sage selections while still providing a strong visual impact.
Plant it with coneflowers, Black Eyed Susans, salvia, catmint, yarrow, coreopsis, lavender, sedum, ornamental grasses, butterfly bush, roses, and agastache. It is especially useful where gardeners want long-lasting blue color, drought tolerance, deer resistance, and a soft, upright texture that does not overwhelm neighboring plants.
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, and Pollinator Friendly
Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage is generally considered deer resistant, making it a reliable option for sunny landscapes where browsing pressure can be a concern. Its aromatic foliage is usually less appealing to deer than that of many softer-flowering perennials.
Once established, this plant is drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, including average, sandy, gravelly, rocky, or lean planting areas. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, making Denim ’n Lace both ornamental and wildlife-friendly.
Easy Care with Full Sun, Lean Soil, and Spring Pruning
Plant Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. Good drainage is essential, especially in winter. Avoid wet clay, low spots, and overly rich soil, which can lead to weak growth or root problems.
Water regularly after planting until roots establish, then reduce watering. Overwatering and heavy fertilizing are more harmful than helpful. Prune in spring when new growth begins, cutting stems back to just above the lowest healthy buds. Avoid heavy fall pruning, since old stems can help protect the crown and provide winter texture.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 28 to 32 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 34 to 38 Inches |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun |
| Soil | Average, poor, sandy, gravelly, rocky, or well-drained soil; avoid wet heavy soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water regularly after planting; drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Time / Color | Summer to fall; sky blue flowers with purple to amethyst calyxes |
| Ornamental Features | Compact habit, strong stems, sky blue flowers, amethyst calyxes, aromatic foliage, long bloom season |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators |
| Resistance | Generally deer resistant; drought tolerant once established; heat tolerant; salt tolerant; low pest pressure |
| Landscape Uses | Sunny borders, pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, rock gardens, dry slopes, cottage gardens, foundation beds, mass plantings, low-water landscapes |
How to Care for Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage
Before your purchase your Perovskia Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage plant, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant remains happy and healthy for years to come.
How should I plant Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage?
Plant Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day and does not stay wet after rain. Sandy, gravelly, rocky, or average garden soil is usually better than rich, heavy soil. Dig a hole about as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Space plants about 30–36 inches apart to allow good airflow and room for the mature mound to develop.
How often should I water Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage after planting?
Water Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage deeply after planting, then keep the soil lightly moist while roots establish. During the first growing season, water when the top few inches of soil feel dry, especially during hot or windy weather. Once established, Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and usually needs little supplemental water in the ground. Water during extended drought, but avoid soggy soil, frequent shallow watering, or planting in poor-draining sites.
When should I fertilize Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage?
Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage usually needs little to no fertilizer. It performs well in average to lean soil, and too much fertility can encourage soft growth that is more likely to flop. If growth is weak, apply a light layer of compost in spring. Avoid heavy feeding or high-nitrogen fertilizer. Full sun, drainage, and moderate-to-dry soil are more important than frequent fertilizing.
When and how should I prune Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage?
Prune Denim ’n Lace Russian Sage in spring when new growth begins to appear. Cut stems back to just above the lowest healthy buds, usually leaving a short woody framework. Avoid cutting the plant hard in fall, especially in colder climates. Leaving stems through winter can help protect the crown and adds texture to the garden. Remove dead or damaged stems during spring cleanup.