The ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage, is a standout perennial that brings a splash of vibrant sky-blue flowers atop amethyst calyxes to the garden. This plant, celebrated for its lacy-like appearance and bright colors, thrives in hot, dry areas, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Very floriferous, Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ (Russian Sage) is an erect multi-stemmed sub-shrub or deciduous perennial with strong stems bearing lacy-like, bright sky blue flowers held on amethyst calyxes. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to fall, the colorful calyxes extend the season of interest of this Russian Sage selection past its peak blooming time. Attractive to pollinating bees and hummingbirds, the blossoms are borne on thin white stems, clad with finely-dissected, aromatic gray-green leaves. More upright in habit than older varieties, Denim ‘n Lace is noted for its stronger stems that do not spill over onto their neighbors.
Adding long-lasting color to the landscape, this delicate-looking plant is a toughy that is resistant to drought, heat, and poor soils. Because of its aromatic foliage and woody stems, few pests, including deer, ever bother it. A perfect perennial for hot, dry climates that is also exceptionally cold-hardy. Pretty and excellent for xeriscaping, its long blooming season makes it an extremely valuable addition to the garden – even in winter when the stems create a beautiful feature in the landscape.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Choose a location that receives full sun, as this plant thrives in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish roots. Once established, ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ is drought tolerant and requires only occasional watering, with more frequent watering needed in extreme heat or if planted in containers.
Soil
Ensure the planting site has well-drained soil. ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor soils, but it does not do well in wet or waterlogged conditions.
Fertilizing
This plant typically does not require fertilization if planted in moderately fertile soil. If growth seems sluggish or foliage color appears faded, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose garden fertilizer in early spring can promote healthier growth.
Pruning
Prune in early spring by cutting back the previous year’s growth to about 6 inches (15 cm) from the ground. This encourages fresh, vigorous growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Mulching
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature.
Winter Care
‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage is hardy in zones 4 through 9 and typically does not require winter protection in these zones. In the northern edge of its range, a light mulch can help protect the roots during winter.
Pests and Diseases
Generally, ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ is resistant to pests and diseases. However, good air circulation and avoiding wet soil conditions can prevent fungal diseases.
III. Uses and Benefits
The ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage is a versatile and attractive perennial that offers numerous landscaping uses due to its vibrant colors, long blooming period, and easy-care nature. Here are some specific ways to incorporate this plant into various garden designs and settings:
- Mixed Borders: Its upright habit and striking blue and purple flowers make it an excellent choice for adding height and color to mixed borders. It pairs beautifully with other perennials and shrubs, creating a layered look.
- Mass Plantings: Planting ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ in large groups can create a visually impactful display of its sky-blue flowers, especially effective in xeriscape or drought-tolerant gardens.
- Pollinator Gardens: The fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to gardens designed to support wildlife.
- Cottage Gardens: With its informal look and fragrant foliage, it fits perfectly into cottage garden designs, contributing to a relaxed and charming garden atmosphere.
- Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in well-drained soils make it suitable for rock gardens, where it can add color and interest amongst the stones.
- Coastal Gardens: Salt tolerance makes ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ a good choice for coastal areas, where it can withstand the challenging conditions while adding beauty to the landscape.
- Containers: While it thrives in the ground, ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ can also be grown in large containers, where its upright growth and long-lasting blooms add vertical interest to patios, balconies, and terraces.
- Erosion Control: Its ability to establish quickly and form dense clumps can help stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion, making it both a practical and attractive solution.
- Architectural Settings: Its structured form and vibrant color make it a good complement to contemporary garden designs, adding a pop of color against modern architecture and hardscaping materials.
- Overall, ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ Russian Sage is a versatile plant that can be used in a wide variety of garden styles and settings, offering both aesthetic and ecological benefits.
