
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Blue Rain Perovskias

Perovskias are often underestimated in terms of the great value that they can add to the garden.
They belong to the same family (Lamiaceae or Labiatae) as lavender and rosemary and being of similar looks and stature can be used as substitutes for these. Perovskia Atriplicifolia ‘Blue Rain’ is an easy-to-grow, no fuss, sub-shrub that grows to approximately one metre tall, forming a multi-stemmed, twiggy bush.
The young spring shoots of the Perovskias are grey to white, with a strong aroma when crushed. Summer and autumn sees an abundance of smallish, tubular, purplish-blue flowers borne in terminal panicles. These deciduous plants grow best in free-draining soil in full sun. They tolerate dry conditions, extreme cold and even thrive in impoverished soils, especially those that have an alkaline or chalky nature, but will do well with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
Untidy plants should be cut back hard in early spring. Deadhead regularly to increase the flowering time.