Perovskia 'CrazyBlue'

Perovskia 'CrazyBlue': Low Violet-Blue Wave Along Hot Driveways

Most Russian sage sprawls around like it owns the couch. 'CrazyBlue' stays compact and packs on so much violet-blue it looks slightly unhinged. THE NAME IS A WARNING.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia (now often listed as Salvia yangii)
• Common Name: Russian Sage
• Height: 40–45 cm (16–18 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Rich violet-blue on dense, branched spikes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Lacy, fragrant, grey-green
• Features: Rabbit resistant, fragrant
• Plant Patent: USPP 25,639

Where to Plant: Its small size makes it easy to use at the front of a sunny border, along a walkway, in a rock garden or in a large container. Plant several together for a low blue wave in hot, dry beds by a driveway or south-facing wall.

Companion Plants: Pennisetum Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' rises behind this compact sage, adding a fountain of grass at 90 to 105 cm from July to October. Echinacea KISMET® 'Kiwi' gives unusual green coneflowers from June to October. Gaillardia SpinTop® Copper Sun brings orange blanket flowers at the front from June to September, a lively contrast to the violet. All three are happy in full sun and dry soil.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. Too much water or fertilizer makes it soft and leggy. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet over winter. Water regularly through the first season, then only in long droughts. Leave the stems standing through winter. Prune in spring, never in fall, once new growth appears at the base. Cut back to no lower than about 15 cm (6 in). It doesn't need dividing.

History: 'CrazyBlue' was bred by Christa Kievit in Hem, the Netherlands, for Ball Horticultural Company, from open-pollinated Perovskia atriplicifolia in 2009. It was selected in 2010 for its mounding, well-branched habit.

Final Thoughts: Hot, dry, forgotten corner? Rabbits sniffing around? It's fine. It's totally fine. CRAZY HAS NEVER LOOKED SO SANE.