Russian sage
Salvia yangii · Lamiaceae
📷 Stan Shebs · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant russian sage: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderately hardy
- Origin
- China (mountainous regions)
- Family
- Lamiaceae
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Salvia yangii requires ultra-well-drained soil, even in temperate climates. It will inevitably rot in heavy soil.
The common mistake
Treating it like an ordinary sage in regular soil promotes root rot during wet winters.
The pro's trick
Mix gravel/sand into your soil before planting.
Seasonal watch
Wet autumn (September-October): this is the dangerous period for rot.
Care
Light exposure
Yang's sage appreciates full sun to flower abundantly. It can tolerate light afternoon shade in very hot regions. Install it in a bright, well-ventilated location to optimize its development.
Watering
This is a plant with low water requirements. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. In summer, water moderately; in autumn and winter, reduce watering considerably. Avoid water accumulation which would promote root rot.
Soil
Prefer well-draining, light and slightly chalky soil. A mix containing sand or gravel improves drainage. This plant dreads stagnant moisture, especially in winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering (September) to maintain a compact, branched shape. Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming. In late winter, eliminate stems damaged by frost.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. This plant is not demanding in nutrients. Avoid excess nitrogen which would elongate the plant at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Generally resistant, it can be affected by powdery mildew in case of confinement or excessive moisture. Check aeration and reduce watering if necessary. Aphids are rarely problematic on this hardy species.
Did you know?
Salvia yangii is named after botanist Yang, in tribute to Chinese collectors of the early twentieth century. Like many Asian sages, it contains interesting aromatic compounds and was traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine for its supposed soothing properties.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- SageSalvia officinalis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.