Product Description
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace' PP28445 CPBR5568 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Russian Sage
Gardeners have long loved Russian Sage for its airy texture and the ability to blend with pretty much any flower color. However, the cultivars available tended to be too large to fit in your garden or the stems wouldn’t be strong enough and they would flop over. Enter ‘Denim ‘n Lace’!
‘Denim ‘n Lace’ doesn’t get too tall, has stronger stems and a more upright habit than most older varieties. Lacy-like, bright sky blue flowers are held on amethyst calyxes. Its calyxes are spaced very close together to give the flowers a very full look. The colorful calyxes make it look like it is still in bloom even when it is past peak. You’ll have great color nearly all season long.
As long as you plant this in full sun, you can forget about it – ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect!
A perfect perennial for hot, dry climates and also exceptionally cold hardy. Perovskia can be used in a wide variety of environments with little attention through the season - a reason they have long been a staple of landscapers. Expect these plants to be a little later to emerge in spring, but also to offer color well into fall.
The ideal plant for hot, dry climates! Russian Sage is classified as a subshrub or woody perennial. It performs very well in full sun and any well-drained soil. Average to dry moisture levels are ideal, and few pests bother this plant. If pruning is necessary, do so in Spring when new growth appears. Prune back to just above the lowest bud.
Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year -- 2020
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2020
Height: 28.0-32.0 Inches
Spread: 34.0-38.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Silver/grey shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Mid Fall
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace', commonly known as Russian sage, is a popular perennial plant that is prized for its beautiful blue flowers, airy texture, and long blooming season. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace', from its appearance and growing requirements to its potential uses in landscaping and gardening.
Appearance Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a compact, upright plant that typically grows to be about 28-32 inches tall. While it usually spreads to about 34-38 inches wide, it is important to note that the spread can be up to 4 feet. It has silvery-green foliage that emerges in mid-spring and provides a beautiful backdrop for the lavender-blue flowers that appear in mid-summer. This variety of Russian sage was specifically chosen for its strong stems and upright habit, making it less likely to flop over than other varieties. The flowers are held on amethyst calyxes, which give the plant a very full look. The colorful calyxes remain on the plant even after the flowers have faded, extending the season of interest. The combination of blue-purple flowers with silver-green foliage makes the transition to colder weather beautifully. In addition to its visual appeal, 'Denim 'n Lace' boasts fragrant flowers and foliage, adding another dimension to its allure. It also has a delightful sage-like fragrance. This plant attracts scores of butterflies and hummingbirds.
Growing Requirements Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a relatively easy plant to grow, as long as it is planted in the right location. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, but it will need regular watering during its first growing season. It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. 'Denim 'n Lace' prefers alkaline soils and can even thrive in poor soil conditions. It can handle the sun, heat, drought, wind, and even salt spray all on its own. This plant is a low-maintenance choice that thrives on neglect. It emerges a little later than other plants in the spring, but it offers color well into the fall.
- Hardiness Zone Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This means that it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ideal Planting Location The ideal planting location for Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It is important to avoid planting it in a location that is too shady or too wet, as this can cause the plant to flop over or develop root rot.
- Spacing When planting 'Denim 'n Lace', space the plants about 36 to 40 inches apart. This spacing allows for mature spread and ensures good air circulation, which helps to prevent diseases.
- Growth Rate and Lifespan 'Denim 'n Lace' grows at a fast rate. This can be beneficial for quickly filling in garden spaces. Under ideal conditions, it can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
Planting Instructions When planting 'Denim 'n Lace', it is important to loosen the roots a bit to break the "root memory". This encourages the roots to grow outward instead of continuing to grow in a circular pattern.
Care Instructions Once established, Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' requires very little care. It is drought-tolerant and does not need to be fertilized regularly. However, it is a good idea to prune the plant back in early spring to encourage new growth. To prune, cut back the previous year's growth to about 6 inches from the ground. Leave your Russian sage plant standing in the fall. This provides winter interest and protects the plant. Because of its aromatic foliage and woody stems, few pests, including deer, ever bother Russian sage. Diseases are practically unheard of. The biggest problem is root rot, which can be caused by poor drainage and prolonged exposure to wet soil. The leaves are toxic if ingested. It is important to keep the plant away from children and pets.
Potential Uses in Landscaping and Gardening Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a versatile plant that can be used in a wide variety of garden settings. It is a good choice for borders, mass plantings, and containers. It can also be used to create a low-maintenance hedge.
- 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.
- Cut Flowers The flowers of 'Denim 'n Lace' are excellent for cutting and can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.
- Naturalizing and Woodland Gardens Its ability to thrive in dry conditions makes it suitable for naturalizing and woodland gardens.
- Substitute for Lavender It has a similar appearance and fragrance to lavender, making it a good alternative for gardeners who have trouble growing lavender.
Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a beautiful and versatile plant that is a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels. It is a compact and well-behaved variety of Russian sage that is less likely to flop over than other varieties. It is also low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. 'Denim 'n Lace' can be used in a variety of landscaping and gardening applications, including borders, mass plantings, containers, and even as a substitute for lavender. With its long blooming season, attractive foliage, and fragrant flowers, 'Denim 'n Lace' is sure to be a favorite in any garden. If you are looking for a plant that will provide long-lasting color and interest in your garden, Perovskia a. 'Denim 'n Lace' is a great option.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Russian Sage
So far so good. Wonderful service. Roots in ground and MAYBE I'm seeing a little action! Can't wait to see leaves.
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Denim n Lace
Great price for bare roots ready to be potted for resale or planted in the garden., which is what I did! Had a few extra to give to friends. The roots were in good condition and the buds burst out the very day I planted them.
