Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'WALPPB' PEEK-A-BLUE)
Discover Perovskia atriplicifolia 'WALPPB' PEEK-A-BLUE, a compact Russian sage offering continuous lavender blue blooms and excellent drought tolerance.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE, commonly known as Russian sage, is a highly valued woody-based perennial prized for its robust nature and long-lasting color display. This shorter selection resists the common flopping tendency of older cultivars, offering gardeners a dependable structure combined with finely dissected, aromatic, silvery-green foliage. Its upright habit is adorned with whorls of exquisite lavender blue flowers blooming continuously from early summer until the first hard frost.
This particular cultivar ensures gardeners receive the classic silvery texture and airy appeal of Russian sage without excessive size or maintenance concerns. It thrives in harsh conditions where many other plants struggle, including heat and dry soils, making it an indispensable component for sustainable, high-impact landscape design. Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE is an excellent choice for providing contrast and vertical interest in sunny perennial beds.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Lavender blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Russian sage in the spring or fall, ensuring it receives the full sun exposure critical for dense blooming and upright posture. The most vital cultural requirement is sharp soil drainage; this plant despises wet feet, particularly during winter dormancy. Easily grown in average soils, the Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE performs best when soil consistency is dry to medium once established.
Due to its exceptional drought tolerance, supplemental watering is usually unnecessary after the establishment period. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can encourage lush, floppy growth rather than sturdy stems that support the lovely lavender blue flowers. Best flowering occurs in locations receiving uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day.
Pruning is essential for maintaining shape and vigor. Cut back the stems almost to the ground line in late winter or very early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge from the base. This annual cut prompts the compact growth habit that defines the desirable Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE selection.
Landscape Uses
Russian sage excels when used as a dynamic infill plant in mixed borders, providing texture and cool-toned continuous color throughout the season. Its airy structure allows it to blend beautifully with bolder perennials, contrasting especially well against strong pinks, such as phlox or mallow, or vibrant yellows like Rudbeckia. Consider planting masses of Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE for spectacular drifts of blue haze across large sunny borders.
This plant also functions effectively as a specimen anchor in xeriscaping or rock gardens where drainage is supreme. Because it is resistant to deer and rabbits, it provides reliable structure in areas where browsing pressure is high. The silvery, fine foliage offers year-round lightness, even when not in bloom.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE, a compact selection of Russian sage, features very lacy, silvery green foliage and presents spires of stunning lavender blue flowers from June until frost. Its compact size (2 to 2.5 ft tall) prevents the sprawling that plagues taller versions of this highly aromatic, drought-tolerant perennial. This outstanding cultivar won recognition from the Perennial Plant Association in 1995.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Dry Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This plant generally enjoys a very low profile regarding pests and diseases, rarely suffering from serious insect infestation or fungal issues. The primary cultural challenge gardeners face with Russian sage is management of its size and form, as plants grown with insufficient sun or too much moisture tend to sprawl or flop over as the summer progresses. Ensure placement maximizes sunlight and soil drainage to avoid this collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Russian sage suitable for?
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE grow?
This compact selection typically reaches a height between 2 and 2.5 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide, making it ideal where space is limited.
What sun exposure does Russian sage need?
Full sun exposure is required for Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE to achieve its best flowering performance and maintain its desirable, upright habit.
When does Russian sage bloom?
This plant offers extended color, blooming reliably from June right through to the first frost of the season with lavender blue flowers.
Conclusion
The compact form, superb drought tolerance, and season-long lavender blue haze offered by Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE make it a superstar for hot, sunny borders. This specific Russian sage cultivar eliminates common maintenance headaches associated with older varieties while retaining all the desirable silver foliage and airy texture. Confirm your site offers full sun and excellent drainage before planting this low-maintenance gem.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Russian sage, focus on plants that share its love for dry, sunny conditions and provide a strong textural or chromatic contrast to the airy silver and blue. Plants with broad leaves or dark foliage beautifully highlight the fine texture of Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE. Consider pairing it with plants that bloom slightly earlier or later to extend the border interest, such as ornamental grasses like Sporobolus or sturdy Echinacea varieties.
Design Ideas for Sunny Dry Gardens
The silvery-gray hue of the foliage in Russian sage acts as a wonderful visual buffer, helping to tone down overly bright colors or unify disparate plantings in high-sun areas. Use this plant to create a soft, hazy mid-border layer, allowing shorter, sun-loving groundcovers or taller vertical accents to frame it. Since Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘WALPPB’ PEEK-A-BLUE is deer resistant and low maintenance, it forms the backbone of successful, water-wise perennial gardens where upkeep needs to remain low.
