General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant. Seems to thrive in hot summer weather. Although the taller species sometimes benefits from a spring pinching to control height, this small cultivar performs well without pinching. Tendency to flop is increased by growing plants in anything but full sun, however. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Cut back plants almost to the ground in winter or in early spring before new growth appears.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

'Little Spire' is a compact Russian sage cultivar which typically grows to 2' tall (species typically grows to 3-4'). It is a woody-based perennial of the mint family. Features finely-dissected, aromatic, gray-green foliage on stiff, upright, square stems. Whorls of 2-lipped, tubular, violet-blue flowers tiered in branched, terminal panicles appear over a long summer bloom. Silvery foliage can provide good winter interest in warm winter climates.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Plants tend to sprawl or flop as the summer progresses, but perhaps less so than the taller species plants. Plants will also flop if grown in some shade.

Uses:

Mass or specimen in borders. Edger along paths. Gray-green foliage and blue flowers provide good texture, color and contrast to many other summer blooming plants.

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