As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that Russian sage indeed requires full sun to thrive and perform at its best. This herbaceous perennial plant, scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, is native to Central Asia and is well adapted to hot and dry conditions.
When I say full sun, I mean it needs to bask in the direct sunlight for most of the day. Russian sage is not tolerant of shade, and if it doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it tends to become leggy and floppy. The stems stretch out in search of sunlight, resulting in a less compact and sturdy plant.
To ensure the success of your Russian sage, it is crucial to choose a location that receives hot and intense sun exposure. This plant can handle the heat and thrives in areas with high temperatures. In fact, it can even tolerate extreme heat, such as the space between a sidewalk and street or a strip along a driveway, where the sun’s rays can be particularly intense.
I have personally witnessed the difference in growth and appearance when Russian sage is grown in full sun versus partially shaded areas. When planted in full sun, the plant develops a more compact and bushy habit, with sturdy stems and abundant flowering. On the other hand, when grown in partial shade, the plant tends to stretch out and flop open, reducing its aesthetic appeal.
To summarize the requirements for Russian sage, here is a bullet list:
– Russian sage requires full sun to thrive.
– It is not tolerant of shade and may become leggy and floppy if not provided with enough sunlight.
– Choose a location with hot and intense sun exposure for optimal growth.
– Russian sage can handle extreme heat and is well adapted to hot and dry conditions.
If you want your Russian sage to flourish and display its beautiful lavender-blue flowers, make sure to plant it in a spot that receives full sun throughout the day. This will ensure that the plant remains compact, sturdy, and visually appealing.
