Product Description
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby' PP29281 (4) 1-gallons
Common Name: Russian Sage
Need a shorter, manageable Russian Sage that is still vigorous in the landscape and production? Try ‘Blue Jean Baby’! Lavender blue flowers held in smoky purple calyxes bloom for a long period starting in midsummer, with the color from the calyxes extending appeal into fall. This variety is one of the earliest Perovskia to bloom. This bushy selection joins the lineup of Perovskia from the Walters Gardens hybridizing and, like the others this program has introduced, resists lodging. ‘Blue Jean Baby’ is a vigorous selection which replaces PEEK-A-BLUE® in our catalog.
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 is 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.
Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Jean Baby' is a wonderful Russian Sage cultivar that offers a more compact and well-behaved option compared to some of the larger, more sprawling varieties. It is a fantastic choice for adding long-lasting color, texture, and pollinator-friendly blooms to sunny gardens. Here is a closer look:
- Lavender-Blue Flowers: 'Blue Jean Baby' produces abundant, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall. The flowers are held in dense, upright panicles, creating a beautiful, airy display above the foliage.
- Compact Size: This cultivar is known for its compact habit, typically reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide. This makes it a versatile choice for smaller gardens, borders, and even containers, where it will not overwhelm its neighbors.
- Early Bloomer: 'Blue Jean Baby' tends to bloom earlier than many other Russian Sage cultivars, extending the season of interest in the garden.
- Gray-Green Foliage: The finely textured, gray-green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the lavender-blue flowers and adds a touch of elegance to the garden. The foliage also has a pleasant, sage-like fragrance when brushed or crushed.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife garden. 1
- Low Maintenance: 'Blue Jean Baby' is drought-tolerant once established and does not require deadheading. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.
Growing Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) for optimal flowering.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a variety of soil types, including poor, dry soils.
- Water: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant.
- Hardiness: 'Blue Jean Baby' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for various climates.
- Maintenance: Prune back the old foliage in early spring to make way for new growth.
Design Ideas:
- Borders: Plant in groups or drifts to create a stunning border of color and texture.
- Containers: Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening, adding a vertical accent to patios and decks.
- Rock Gardens: The airy texture and blue flowers blend beautifully with rocks and other alpine plants.
- Meadow Gardens: Combine with other drought-tolerant perennials and grasses for a naturalized look.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants maybe trimmed for shipping,
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!
