Blue Steel Perovskia

Blue Steel is a seed-grown Russian sage selection with aromatic silvery foliage and clouds of small blue flowers on strong stems. The [Ball Seed product page](https://info.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=048400001018966) lists an upright habit, summer and late-summer bloom, zones 4a–9b, and heat and drought tolerance. It gives a first-year height of 18–24 inches and spread of 14–22 inches; from the second year onward, plants reach 30–36 inches tall and 20–38 inches wide. ## Landscape Use Use Blue Steel as an upright, fine-textured accent or repeat it through a sunny border. The silvery foliage and blue flowers pair well with ornamental grasses and warm-colored perennials. Ball lists bees and butterflies among its visitors and deer and rabbits among animals it resists. ## Growing Conditions Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. The Ball listing describes light water needs and a hardy range of zones 4–9. Established plants tolerate heat and dry conditions, though new plantings need water while roots establish. ## Maintenance Leave adequate room for the mature spread. Cut back old stems in early spring and pinch young plants if more branching is desired. Avoid persistently wet soil.