Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Jelena'

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Jelena’

• Common Name: Russian Sage ‘Jelena’

• Plant Type: Hardy, deciduous perennial sub-shrub with aromatic foliage.

• Growth Habit: Upright, open structure with fine, silver-grey leaves and tall spires of violet-blue flowers. Reaches 90–120 cm in height with a spread of 60–90 cm.

• Foliage: Finely divided, grey-green to silvery leaves with a pleasant scent when brushed.

• Flowers: Slender panicles of soft violet-blue blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, providing long-lasting colour.

• Seasonal Interest: Attractive both in bloom and when out of flower due to its striking silvery foliage, which adds brightness to borders.

• Garden Uses: Ideal for mixed borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, gravel beds, or as a pollinator-friendly plant.

• Wildlife Value: Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland, tolerating frost and winter cold well.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for maximum flower display and strong, upright growth.

• Soil Preferences: Performs best in well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, chalky, or loamy conditions. Avoid heavy clay unless improved with grit and compost.

• pH Range: Tolerates acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils.

• Moisture Needs: Low water demand once established; drought-tolerant.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or autumn when conditions are mild to aid root development.

• Spacing: Allow 60–90 cm between plants to ensure good air circulation.

• Shelter Needs: Thrives in exposed, sunny spots but avoid deep shade, which can lead to leggy growth.

• Companion Planting: Complements ornamental grasses (Stipa, Pennisetum), Lavandula, Echinacea, and Achillea.

• Container Growing: Suitable for large pots with gritty, free-draining compost.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first season until established.

  • Reduce watering once mature, watering only during prolonged drought.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth.

  • Avoid overfeeding to prevent weak, floppy stems.

• Pruning:

  • Cut back hard in early spring to about 20 cm above ground to encourage strong new shoots.

  • Do not prune in autumn; leaving old stems over winter offers frost protection and structural interest.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a light mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the crown.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Naturally resistant to most pests and diseases; avoid overly wet soil to prevent root rot.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; in colder areas, retain old stems for added winter protection.

• Weed Control: Keep the base of the plant clear to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance, offering reliable performance year after year.

• Size
  C 2,3

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.