Where to Find Russian Sage Plants for Sale Near Me

Russian sage is a beautiful aromatic perennial that makes a great addition to many gardens. With its silvery-blue foliage and tall purple flower spikes, it adds color and texture to the landscape. If you’re looking for Russian sage plants for sale near you, there are several places you can check both online and in your local area.

A Brief Overview of Russian Sage

Before diving into where to buy Russian sage, let’s do a quick rundown of this plant. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a deciduous perennial in the mint family. It’s native to parts of Russia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. However, it grows very well in many parts of North America.

Here are some key facts about Russian sage:

• Grows 3-5 feet tall and wide, with a bushy, upright habit.

• Features fragrant, silvery-gray foliage. The leaves are finely dissected and resemble those of Russian tarragon.

• Bears lavender-blue flower spikes from midsummer through early fall. The tiny tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies.

• Thrives in full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil.

• Deer and rabbit resistant.

• Hardy in zones 4-9.

• Low maintenance plant, Only needs occasional pruning to shape and promote new growth,

With its silvery foliage and blue blooms, Russian sage makes a beautiful accent plant or mass planting It works well in perennial beds, borders, and cottage gardens The fragrance and pollinator appeal add to its charm. Now let’s look at the best places to buy this plant.

Purchase Russian Sage at a Local Nursery

One of the best places to find Russian sage plants for sale is your local independent garden center or nursery. Many nurseries carry a nice selection of perennials, including Russian sage. Here are some benefits of shopping at a local nursery:

• You can see and choose the exact plant(s) you want. This allows you to pick healthy, thriving specimens showing the size, shape, and color you like.

• The plants are cared for by people passionate about gardening. Many local nurseries grow their own plants or buy from small specialty growers.

• You’re supporting a local small business. Local nurseries contribute to the community and local economy.

• Staff are usually very knowledgeable about plants. They can give you care tips and landscaping advice for Russian sage.

• No shipping is required. You can take your plant straight home and get it right into the ground.

Before visiting a nursery, call ahead to see if they have Russian sage in stock. Some good times to shop are in early spring when the nursery is freshly stocked, or in the fall when perennials may be marked down. Provide the best growing conditions after bringing your plant home.

Check Big Box Stores for Russian Sage

In addition to local nurseries, many big box home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot also carry Russian sage plants seasonally. Here are some things to know about shopping the big box garden centers:

• They receive deliveries of new plants in spring and fall. Time your shopping trips around these peak times.

• Stock can vary by store and location. Check inventory online or give your local store a call before you go.

• The plants are not always cared for optimally. Inspect them closely for good health and form before purchasing.

• Staff may have limited plant knowledge. Do your own research on Russian sage care beforehand.

• Big box prices are often very affordable. You can sometimes find bulk deals on perennials.

• Shipping and handling is not a factor since you take the plant with you.

• Supporting large retailers helps keep prices competitively low for consumers.

For the best selection, visit your big box store early in the season when deliveries are fresh and plants are not picked over. Provide proper aftercare when you get your Russian sage home.

Purchase Russian Sage Online

In addition to local sources, you can also buy Russian sage plants for sale online and have them shipped to you. Here’s an overview of online shopping:

• Wider selection – Online nurseries and garden centers offer a huge variety of plants. You can often find rare or unusual varieties.

• Order anytime – You’re not limited by nursery hours or growing seasons. You can shop online 24/7.

• Convenience – Plants are delivered right to your door. No driving to stores required.

• Reviews – Reputable sellers have detailed plant descriptions and customer reviews to help guide your buying.

• National sellers – Order from sellers across the country to find optimal growing zones.

• Competitive pricing – Online shopping offers cost savings in many cases. Take advantage of coupons and bulk deals.

When ordering online, pay close attention to shipping dates so your plants arrive at the optimal planting time. Account for a few days in transit. Carefully follow planting and care instructions as soon as your plants arrive.

Some good online sources for Russian sage include:

• Nature Hills Nursery – Offers both plants and seeds, with size options.

• American Meadows – Sells bare root and potted varieties.

• High Country Gardens – Specializes in dry climate plants like Russian sage.

• Bluestone Perennials – Good selection of pot sizes, with volume discounts.

Check Root Availability at Garden Centers

Another option for getting Russian sage plants is purchasing them as dormant roots. Many garden centers and nurseries sell perennial roots in late winter and early spring before the plants leaf out.

Here are some things to know about spring root sales:

• Roots are much cheaper than potted plants. You save because the seller doesn’t have to maintain the plants over winter.

• Selection may be more limited than potted plants. Shop early for best variety.

• Roots establish quickly when planted because they don’t suffer transplant shock.

• Identifying plant types can be tricky for amateurs. Ask for assistance picking out Russian sage roots.

• Plant roots as soon as possible in spring so they establish before summer.

• Water regularly after planting until plants are growing steadily.

Visit your favorite local nurseries in late winter/early spring to check for availability of Russian sage roots. Plant them promptly and water well after planting.

Divide and Transplant Existing Plants

If you or a gardening friend already have an established Russian sage plant, dividing it is an easy way to get more plants for free. Here’s a quick guide to dividing and transplanting Russian sage:

When to Divide

• Spring or fall are best. Avoid summer heat.

• Divide when plant is 3-5 years old or overly large.

How to Divide

• Prepare new planting area with compost or fertilizer several weeks before dividing.

• Water plant deeply a few days before dividing.

• Use a shovel or garden fork to dig up and split the plant into several pieces, leaving plenty of roots on each division.

• Replant divisions into prepared soil, water immediately, and water regularly until established.

Follow-up Care

• Cut any flowering stems after transplanting to direct energy to root growth.

• Water frequently for the first few weeks, especially during droughts.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.

Dividing sage plants is an easy, inexpensive way to propagate new ones. Just be sure to prune blossoms after transplanting and keep them well watered.

Grow Russian Sage from Seeds

If you have patience and proper growing conditions, you can grow Russian sage from seeds. Here are some tips:

• Start indoors 8-12 weeks before your last spring frost date. The seeds need warm soil to germinate.

• Sow seeds 1/4″ deep in pots or flats filled with moist seed starting mix. Cover lightly with soil.

• Place in bright location with temperatures around 70°F. Keep soil moist but not saturated.

• Thin seedlings to 6″ apart when they develop 2-4 true leaves. Harden off before transplanting outdoors.

• Transplant into garden after danger of frost. Space plants 2-3′ apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Water regularly and fertilize lightly to help plants establish.

• Be patient – Russian sage grown from seed may not flower in the first season. But you’ll have mature, flowering plants by the second year.

Starting Russian sage from seed takes time, but it’s very rewarding. Follow proper planting, growing, and transplanting guidelines for success.

Overwinter Potted Russian Sage

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