Perovskia 'Little Spire'

This cultivar of Russian Sage has aromatic, silver-grey leaves, and upright spikes of tiny, violet-blue flowers from mid-summer onwards. At 50-75cm tall, this is the most compact of any Perovskia, so is the best choice if space is limited, or you find the taller varieties get too cumbersome. The blooms are adored by bees and other pollinating insects!

Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire' makes a real impact when planted en masse alongside a path, where the flowers create a haze of purple, and the sage-like fragrance of the leaves can be appreciated. Or, try it alongside other silver-leaved plants, or in swathes in a sunny border. This deciduous sub-shrub really does need sunshine—it doesn’t mind the winter cold. It can also cope with dry, chalky soils and coastal conditions.

Perovskia 'Little Spire' makes a wonderful companion to all kinds of late-summer ornamental grasses and perennials. It is best pruned (from the second year) in late March, by removing old branches down to about four buds above the soil. It is also fairly resistant to pests and diseases, making it even more low-maintenance.