Plants That Go Well With Russian Sage

Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy perennial plant that produces long-lasting blue flowers from summer to fall. Although it is named after B.A. Perovski, a Russian governor, and its scent mimics sage, it is not native to Russia nor is it a member of the Salvia genus. The shrubby plant grows from 2 to 4 feet tall, Russian sage is an excellent companion plant for ornamental grasses and in floral gardens that thrive well in full sun and dry and well-drained soil conditions.

Echinacea

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) or purple coneflower compliments Russian sage with its height and purple/fuchsia flowers. Echinacea is a hardy perennial, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It does well in the same soil conditions as Russian sage and also requires full sun. Echinacea makes a wonderful cut flower for floral arrangements.

Black-Eyed Susan

Spinning the color wheel a bit, black-eyed susans provides sharp yellow color contrast as a garden complement to Russian sage. Also referred to as rudbeckia, black-eyed susans (Rudbeckia hirta) also belong to the Asteraceae family--the family of the coneflowers. Black-eyed susans grow to 3 feet, adding height along with the Russian sage in a garden or landscape.

Goldenrod

Considered a weed in some areas, goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) compliments Russian sage with its clusters of small yellow flowers. Some varieties grow to 7 feet tall, making it an excellent height companion to Russian sage. It is also a member of the Asteraceae family. Besides making an interesting cut flower, goldenrod has medicinal properties for topical wound healing and for internal conditions including diabetes, arthritis and asthma, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Phlox

Phlox varieties belong to the Polemoniaceae family, producing colorful blossoms ranging from white to purple. White phlox makes a classic compliment to Russian sage. Phlox are perennial flowers that grow up to 3 feet tall. Phlox does well in open, full-sun areas and well-drained, but moist, soil conditions.

Coreopsis

Native to Central and South America, coreopsis species is another member of the Asteraceae family. Depending on the variety of coreopsis, its flowers have a deep orange-yellow color or are two-toned in color. Coreopsis varieties are either annuals or perennials and do well in full sun. Choose a perennial variety for companion planting with the Russian sage for a low-maintenance garden.

Ratibida

Also known as upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, ratibida (Ratibida columnifera) is another coneflower of the Asteraceae family that grows well with Russian sage. It has an elongated central cone out of which grows disk flowers from June to September and typical flower petals around its base. Ratibida is a full-sun, flowering plant that requires well-drained soil.