(Salvia yangii ‘CrazyBlue’ Formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘CrazyBlue’)
CrazyBlue Russian Sage (Salvia yangii ‘CrazyBlue’ Formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘CrazyBlue’) is a beautiful, compact flowering perennial prized for its vibrant lavender-blue flowers, aromatic silver-gray foliage, and strong, upright growth habit. Its airy flower spikes create a soft, cloud-like display of color above finely textured foliage, bringing movement and contrast to perennial borders, mixed landscape beds, and pollinator gardens.
Beginning in midsummer and continuing into early fall, CrazyBlue produces an abundance of lavender-blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Unlike some traditional Russian Sage varieties that can develop a loose, sprawling habit, CrazyBlue is selected for its sturdy stems and more compact, upright growth.
CrazyBlue is particularly well suited for cottage gardens, contemporary landscapes, formal borders, and drought-tolerant planting designs. Its silvery foliage pairs beautifully with dark green evergreens, golden-yellow flowers, and burgundy-leaved shrubs, while its long blooming season provides dependable summer color.
More About CrazyBlue Russian Sage
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Herbaceous Perennial / Woody-Based Perennial
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Compact, Upright Growth Habit
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Lavender-Blue Flower Spikes
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Long Summer Bloom Period
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Aromatic Silver-Gray Foliage
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Strong, Sturdy Stems
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Pollinator Friendly
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Attracts Bees and Butterflies
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Deer Resistant
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Rabbit Resistant
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Drought Tolerant Once Established
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Heat Tolerant
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Low Maintenance
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Excellent for Mass Plantings
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Perennial Border, Mixed Bed, Cottage Garden, Pollinator Garden, Accent
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Excellent Summer and Fall Color
Height: 24–30 Inches
Spread: 24–30 Inches
Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun
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Season of Interest: Summer, Early Fall
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Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
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Attributes: Compact, Upright, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Pollinator Friendly
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Foliage Color: Silver-Gray
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Flower Color: Lavender-Blue
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. CrazyBlue Russian Sage performs best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and thrives in relatively lean soils. Avoid poorly drained or consistently wet locations, particularly during winter, as excess moisture can damage the crown and root system.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, CrazyBlue is highly drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of extreme heat and dryness.
Fertilizing:
CrazyBlue Russian Sage generally requires very little fertilizer and performs well in average to lean soils. Excessive fertilization can encourage soft, weak growth and reduce its naturally upright habit.
Pruning:
Leave stems standing through winter for added structure and seasonal interest. In early spring, once new growth begins, cut back old stems to approximately 6–12 inches above the ground or just above healthy emerging buds. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, which can expose the crown to winter damage.
Winter Care:
Excellent winter drainage is essential. Avoid heavy, wet mulch directly against the crown, and allow old stems to remain standing through winter to provide additional protection.
