Russian Sage

Common Names: Russian Sage
Latin Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia

Falls over and gets leggy if not in full sun, so may need staking or support. Can be controlled somewhat by pinching young shoots or by providing a strong-standing accompaniment that the plant can drape itself around for support.
From the steppe, pakistan, afghanistan, central asia.
Flowers June through October, though I thought we flowered even earlier. Should flower for 2-3 months.
Organic mulch probably not great here. Gravel better bc it allows moisture to evaporate.
To prevent flopping grow shorter varieties, stake or cage your plants or pinch back the growing tips when the plant is 1 foot tall. Divide plants every 3 to 4 years to encourage better flowering. Dig up the whole clump of Russian sage in spring; divide it into wedge-sized pieces and replant in a location with similar growing conditions.

They don't really care. Everything is fine, just not too wet. Wide range of acceptable pH.

very drought tolerant, hates too much water. Don't even worry about watering this one after it is established.
Only water after periods of extended drought.

Like too much water, too much fertilizer really messes this guy up.
Scatter a handful of general-purpose fertilizer or a shovelful of compost around each plant every other year in late fall.
Russian sage does not generally require fertilizer to flourish, even in sandy, rocky or alkaline soils. If your gardening routine involves spreading compost and mulch, add no more than 1 inch of the material around Russian sage in the spring as the new growth begins to appear.

Should be cut back almost to the ground before growth begins in spring since flowers only on new growth. Plants trimmed to 15–61 cm (5.9–24.0 in) in early spring provide the best subsequent growth and flowering.
Spring and summer care for Russian sage consists mainly of pruning. When new spring growth emerges, cut the old stems back to just above the lowest set of leaves. If the plant begins to spread open or sprawl in late spring or summer, shear off the top one-third of the stems to encourage upright growth. Remove the top half of the stems if the plant stops blooming in summer. This encourages new growth and a fresh flush of flowers.
When the plant is in full flower, you may extend the blooming season and discourage stems from bending over by snipping off the small side branches that have faded, spent blossoms.
Well-established Russian sage may send out underground stems that emerge as tender, green shoots near the plant's base. These new starts are welcome when Russian sage is used in a mass planting or for a divider hedge, but if neat, tidy clumps are preferred, the shoots need to be removed. Gently scrape the soil away from stem leading back to the main plant and sever it with the sharp edge of a trowel. Dig up the separated shoot and discard it, or place it in a container with rich potting soil to grow for placement elsewhere.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming into fall.

Cut down to almost the ground. Or leave the twigs up if you like how they look in winter.