Russian Sage

Salvia yangii

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Salvia
Species:
Salvia yangii
USDA Symbol:
PEAT10

Growth Characteristics

Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble (Bombus pensylvanicus), Anthophora californica, Black and (Bombus auricomus), Central bumble bee (Bombus centralis), Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Two-spotted Longhorn (Melissodes bimaculatus), Western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii) Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) Moths:White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) Butterflies:Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Peck's skipper (Polites peckius), Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus), Small White (Pieris rapae), Woodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, rocky regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best after cold stratification for 4-8 weeks at 4°C.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society