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Family: Russian Sage
Type: Perennial
Little Spire Russian Sage is a compact, dwarf variety of the traditional Russian Sage. It’s known for its upright, bushy growth habit and beautiful lavender-blue flowers. This variety reaches about 2 feet in height, making it perfect for smaller gardens or spaces.
Its silvery foliage and delicate flowers offer a long-lasting display from mid-summer to fall. Little Spire is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal maintenance. Its smaller size does not compromise the visual impact, providing a striking addition to any garden.
This plant is ideal for gardeners who love the look of Russian Sage but have limited space. It’s also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a practical choice in areas with wildlife.
Hardiness Zone: 4a-5a
Deer Resistant: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Dry to average
Sun Needs: Full sun
Drought Tolerance (Xeriscape): Yes
Growth Rate: Fast
Average Height (feet): 2
Average Spread (feet): 2
Average Life Span (years): 10
Form: Upright spreading
Flower Color: Purple
Bloom Season: From early summer to mid fall
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Narrow
Little Spire Russian Sage is excellent for creating borders or edging in gardens. Its compact size allows for use in tighter spaces where traditional Russian Sage might be too large. It can be planted in mass for a dramatic effect or used as a single specimen for a focal point.
Incorporating this plant into rock gardens or gravel beds adds texture and color. Its silver foliage contrasts beautifully with darker green plants or brightly colored flowers. Little Spire is also ideal for container gardening, bringing height and structure to mixed plantings.
Use Little Spire to attract bees and butterflies to your garden. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators, adding life and movement to your outdoor space.
Little Spire Russian Sage fits perfectly in an English Cottage Garden. Its relaxed form and cool color palette blend well with traditional cottage garden plants like roses and lavender.
For an urban garden setting, Little Spire is a smart choice. Its small size suits confined spaces, and it can thrive despite the heat and light reflection common in urban environments.
In formal gardens, Little Spire provides a soft contrast to structured designs. Its upright form can be used to create symmetry or as an accent in geometric layouts.
Plant Little Spire alongside pathways or patios for a low hedge effect. It adds movement and interest, guiding the eye through the garden. Grouping several plants together creates a sea of blue and silver, which is especially striking.
In spring, Little Spire begins to show new green growth. This early foliage sets the stage for the blooms to come, offering a fresh look after the winter months.
During summer, Little Spire is in full bloom. Its small stature is offset by the abundance of vibrant lavender-blue flowers, making it a standout feature in any garden.
As autumn arrives, the blooms of Little Spire begin to fade, but its silvery foliage remains striking. The plant maintains its structure, adding interest and texture to the fall garden.
In winter, Little Spire's foliage dies back, but its framework remains. This provides visual interest in the garden, especially when dusted with frost or snow.
Monarda didyma
Echinacea purpurea
Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound'
Choose a sunny spot for Little Spire Russian Sage, as it thrives in full sun. Ideal locations include open areas, borders, or as accents in small gardens. It’s well-suited for urban gardens with good sun exposure.
Full sun is crucial for Little Spire, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Adequate sunlight ensures healthy growth, abundant flowering, and maintains the plant's compact form.
Well-drained soil is essential for this plant. It tolerates a range of soil types but prefers those that do not retain excess moisture. Overly wet soils can be detrimental to its root health.
Space plants approximately 18-24 inches apart. This spacing allows for full growth and air circulation, essential for the plant's health and for preventing any potential disease spread.
The best time to plant Little Spire Russian Sage is in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. This timing allows the plant to establish roots before the hot summer months.
Plant Little Spire at the same depth it was in its nursery pot. Ensure the soil is loosened around the planting area to facilitate root growth. Water well after planting to settle the soil.
Little Spire is drought-tolerant once established. Water it deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid over-watering to prevent root issues.
Fertilizing is typically not necessary for Little Spire. If desired, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
Prune in early spring, cutting back the plant to promote bushier growth and more robust flowering. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage a longer blooming period.
In spring, prune to stimulate new growth and shape the plant. Water as new growth appears, especially in dry conditions.
During summer, Little Spire is at its peak and requires minimal care. Ensure it gets enough water during long dry spells.
In fall, reduce watering as the plant begins to go dormant. No major care is needed during this season.
In winter, Little Spire is dormant and requires little care. It can withstand cold temperatures once established, with no additional winter protection needed.
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Lavandula x intermedia 'Phenomenal'
Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas'
Little Spire Russian Sage does not typically need division. However, if desired, it can be divided in early spring every few years for propagation or to rejuvenate an older plant.
Little Spire Russian Sage blooms from mid-summer to early fall, offering a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
Yes, Little Spire Russian Sage is generally deer resistant. Its aromatic foliage is not appealing to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer populations.
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