Perovskia 'Blue Spire' is a deciduous shrub from Central Asia to the Himalayas, grown primarily for its striking foliage and flowers rather than fruit or harvest. This hardy perennial reaches 24 to 36 inches tall and wide, producing whorls of deep violet-blue, two-lipped tubular flowers arranged in branched spires from July through September. The finely-dissected, aromatic, grayish-green foliage sits atop stiff, upright, square stems that remain ornamental even before the blooms arrive. Cold hardy to zone 5, it thrives in full sun and handles drought and poor soils with ease, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens that receive minimal water or attention.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
36in H x 36in W
—
High
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Deep violet-blue flowers arranged in elegant, tiered panicles rise above feathery, aromatic grayish-green foliage on upright square stems. The plant's narrow, dissected leaves catch light beautifully and release fragrance when brushed, adding sensory appeal beyond just visual interest. Unlike taller species plants that tend to sprawl and flop, 'Blue Spire' holds a more upright habit throughout the growing season, especially when given full sun and sharp drainage. Blooming reliably from mid-summer into fall, it sustains interest long after many perennials fade, while asking little in return beyond decent sunlight and well-drained soil.
Perovskia 'Blue Spire' is grown as an ornamental perennial, valued for its showy flowers and attractive foliage throughout the growing season. In gardens, it serves as a mid-height focal point in borders, as a structure-providing accent in mixed perennial beds, and as a nectar source for pollinators. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils make it suited to difficult garden sites, while its aromatic foliage adds another dimension of garden interest beyond visual appeal.
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Cut plants back almost to the ground in late winter to early spring as soon as new growth appears. This severe pruning refreshes the plant and encourages dense, upright growth rather than the sprawling habit that develops over summer. The variety's generally more upright character means it requires less intervention than some species forms, but this annual cutback keeps 'Blue Spire' compact and prevents the flopping that can occur as the season progresses.
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“Perovskia as a genus comprises seven species of deciduous shrubs native to Central Asia and the Himalayan regions. The genus itself was named to honor the Russian general V. A. Perovski (1794 to approximately 1857), preserving his memory in botanical nomenclature. 'Blue Spire' is a selected cultivar, chosen and developed for its superior upright growth habit compared to wild species plants, which tend toward more sprawling forms. This selection reflects generations of gardeners recognizing the ornamental potential of Central Asian flora and refining it for temperate gardens.”