Russian sage Salvia yangii
Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Central Asia (Afghanistan to Tibet). It grows 90 cm–1.4 m (35 in–4.6 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Russian sage in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Russian sage at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.4 m (35 in–4.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 10–16 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Central Asia (Afghanistan to Tibet) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Russian sage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not listed as toxic in ASPCA references; foliage is aromatic and bitter so pets rarely eat it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Russian sage
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Russian sage in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Riverside botanical garden (9 plants)
Questions about Russian sage
- How far apart should I plant Russian sage?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Russian sage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Russian sage need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Russian sage?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Russian sage flower?
- From about July for 10–16 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Russian sage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic in ASPCA references; foliage is aromatic and bitter so pets rarely eat it.
- What grows well with Russian sage?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Russian sage. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia. Woody-based subshrub whose stems die back in cold winters; cut to 15-30 cm in spring.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare