Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Spire’ (Russian Sage)

In August and September this is a mass of tiny smoky blue flowers held on white stems above silvery green leaves. Bees love it. It is a deciduous, bushy sub-shrub that will die back to the ground in winter but then re-grow up to 1.2 x 1.0metres.

From the dry plains of central Asia, this plant flourishes in full sun on well drained, dry and chalky soils, in exposed or sheltered positions but away from cold north winds. It will even tolerate salty air.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.