Perovskia 'Little Spire' is a compact selection of Russian Sage, appreciated for its upright habit, silvery aromatic foliage, and spikes of violet blue flowers. It provides reliable color and texture in sunny and dry gardens throughout the late season.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to sandy soils; thrives in dry conditions
Watering Needs: Low once established; prefers dry to medium moisture
Deer Resistance: High
Native Status
Cultivated form of Perovskia atriplicifolia, which is native to the steppes of Central Asia and the Himalayas.
Wildlife & Insects
Bees
- Frequented by honeybees, bumblebees, and leafcutter bees for its long blooming, nectar rich flowers.
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Monarchs and Painted Ladies, especially in midsummer when few other perennials bloom so prolifically.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages lacewings and parasitic wasps, which help control garden pests naturally.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to highlight its upright form while allowing airflow between plants.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for hot, dry borders, pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, and in combination with ornamental grasses or short blooming perennials.
Companion Plants
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Offers structural contrast and a vivid flower color pairing for pollinator friendly plantings.
- Rudbeckia fulgida (Black Eyed Susan) - Shares drought tolerance and golden blooms that create a striking contrast to Perovskia's silvery hues.
- Agastache 'Blue Fortune' (Giant Hyssop) - Provides vertical spikes and aromatic foliage that blend well in color and habit.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Switchgrass) - Adds fine textured foliage and late season movement to complement the upright spires.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Echoes the silver foliage theme while adding fragrance and additional pollinator value.