Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is popular for abundant displays of lavender-blue flowers in late summer. Native to Afghanistan and Pakistan, it has a tough constitution that serves it well in low water applications. New growth originates from near ground level in spring and plants look best when old dead stems are pruned off. Be aware that Russian Sage sends out root runners that result in growth shoots some distance from the plant. Foliage and stems possess a distinctive minty, rather robust odor.