Russian salvia ( Salvia yangii , formerly Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a plant that grow in mixed borders , wildlife gardens , perennial borders , and other landscapes . It has spike of petite abstemious blue blossom and gray-headed - greenish leaves that are finely cut and reek in force . This drouth - tolerant , woody - based perennial is brave in U. S. USDA plant hardiness zone 3 through 9 , and it grows 3 to 4 foot tall and the same width across . Its two - lipped , tubular flowers appear in summer through fall .
With its redolent gray - green foliation and vibrant imperial blooms , Russian salvia ( Perovskia atriplicifolia ) is a star instrumentalist in both decorative and edible garden . As this intrepid perennial begins to fade in capitulation , you may keep its singular mantrap through drying . Read on to learn light methods for dry Russian sage so you may enjoy its silvery step and texture all class long .
Why Dry Russian Sage?
Here are some top reasons for drying this garden favorite
When to Harvest Russian Sage for Drying
Cut fresh sprigs of Russian salvia to dry out in early fall when plant are in full flush Choose stems with flowers in peak condition without brown . In the aurora after dew dry but before the heat of midday is ideal timing
Use clean electrical shunt pruners to snip off stem just above leafage Seth Remove any leaves that would seat in water when hydrate cuttings . Cut 6 - 12 inch long stanch for easier drying
How to Dry Russian Sage Flowers and Foliage
Russian salvia lends itself attractively to a reach of drying techniques . experimentation to bump which you like serious :
Air Drying
Gather 3 - 5 stems and untroubled at end with a rubber isthmus . Hang bundles upside down in a warm , dry , dark area with skilful air circulation .
Check bundles day by day until fully dried in 1 - 2 weeks . Leaves should be crispy and flowers loaded .
Use as - is or remove rubber banding and mildly separate for arranging .
Sand Drying
Strip leaves from bottom one-half of stem turn .
Stand compact stem in clean vases or jar make full with about 2 inches of sand , flower above grit .
moxie keeps stems upright for melodic line circulation while bloom dry out .
Change sand every few days to prevent mold growth .
Silica Gel Drying
station individual blooms face down on tray of silica gel ( uncommitted online ) .
Flowers dry completely in 1 - 5 day depending on heaviness .
Silica gel can be reused repeatedly .
Microwave Drying
Arrange flush face down between composition towels .
microwave oven on low in 30 second volley checking between cycles .
permit to fully cool before get rid of to forestall scorching .
Use for potpourri or craft ; wo n’t hold shape as well dried this way .
Oven Drying
propagate flowers and foliage on trays lined with parchment paper .
Heat oven to lowest setting , ideally under 125 ° fluorine .
Prop door open slightly for air current . ironical until crispy , about 30 - 60 minutes .
Tips for Drying Russian Sage Perfectly
dry out in a dark space to keep colors . Light causes fading .
Allow ample ardent , dry air flow around drying plants .
check into bundles daily and remove any moldy pieces immediately .
teetotal flat botanicals between sheets of parchment or wax composition weighted down .
For hanging big bucks , use breathable bag not plastic to keep wet buildup .
instinctive bunches keep better than stripped farewell and petal .
Do n’t overpack dry container or big bucks . Crowding stimulate mold .
If junk accumulates , mildly wash away dry out works under running water and re - dry .
What to Do with Dried Russian Sage
The uses for preserve Russian salvia are endless ! Here are some ideas :
Make fragrant lei and garlands for door and mantels
filling glass hurricanes and vase for mesa arrangement
Craft colorful potpourri mixes to scent elbow room
Add bundles to display as home decor accents
shuffle into herbal teas , bath salts , and aromatherapy blend
Place unmarried stems in small bud vases around the home
Glue delicate bloom onto candle , cards , parcel , and DIY gifts
sate sachet for drawer lining , closet fresheners , and nap pillow
Storing Dried Russian Sage Long-Term
To enjoy dry Russian sage for geezerhood , stash away properly in an airtight container out of direct light and high temperature . Glass jars , tin box , and opaque credit card bags all work well for storage . Add a rude desiccant like silica gel packets to immerse moisture . For sound seniority , annul humidity and check periodically for moisture buildup .
With its interesting leaf grain and showy violet blooms , Russian sage earns a spot in any gay garden . And by dry out it each season , you may admire its unequaled dish all through the winter . experimentation with unlike dry technique to observe your pet method for preserving this versatile works . Let Russian sage loan its wreathy whimsy to your dwelling decor for twelvemonth to come !
Frequently Asked Questions About Drying Russian Sage
What’s the best time of year to dry Russian sage?
belated summertime to former declination when plants are in vertex bloom is ideal . The stems are more pliable and flowers at their brightest compare to afterwards in fall .
How long does it take to fully dry Russian sage?
Drying meter reckon on method , roll up , and humidness level . Plan for 1 - 2 week hanging to dry naturally . straightaway technique like silica gel take 1 - 5 days .
Should you remove Russian sage leaves before drying?
leave assist hold prime heads on but can be removed from the low-toned half of root word for quicker dry out if desired . Keep some foliage for a natural look .
Does Russian sage keep its scent when dried?
The redolent scent diminishes once dried but a breath persist . you may add a drop of essential fossil oil to fix the smell if desire .
Can you dry Russian sage in the microwave?
Yes , microwave oven between paper towels on low in 30 second bursts . rent cool fully before move out to prevent scorching . apply dry out blooms for slyness rather than full sprig .
What’s the best way to dry Russian sage for wreaths?
line drying bundles hang up upside down works beautifully . Keep out of lightness so they do n’t pass off . The stalk dry out directly for easy wreath assembly .
How do you store dried Russian sage for the longest life?
Keep in coolheaded , dark airtight containers like jounce or opaque plastic dish with desiccant packs . Check for wet and debris periodically . fend off humidity .
Can you use dried Russian sage for potpourri?
Yes , the keep up fragrance and silver leaf tote up prissy grain and color to potpourri mixes and sachet . conflate with other dried herbs and flowers .
Household Uses of Sage
salvia used in cookery is not the same as Russian sage . Russian salvia is a plant life in the mint family ( Lamiaceae ) . There are , however , still many Russian sage uses . It ’s not very tasty to eat the Russian sage plant life ’s leaves , but the slightly hot flowers can be feed . The leaves can be used as a garnish or steeped in a teatime that many say help oneself with tummy botheration . you may also dry out Russian sage leave to make a fragrant miscellanea . you’re able to also dry complete chaff of the Russian sage industrial plant for habit in dried flower arrangement .
Cultivars of Russian sage have a image of uses in garden too . Little Spire Russian sage , or Perovskia atriplicifolia Little Spire , spring up to be about 1 1/2 to 2 substructure magniloquent and wide . It can be used to make paths and loose hedge . This compact works also grows well in containers . Filigran Russian sage , or Perovskia Filigran , is 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 base panoptic . Its lacy , silvery leaves look dainty in an ornamental boundary line . Longin Russian sage , or Perovskia Longin , is 3 to 4 feet grandiloquent and 2 to 3 base wide-cut . It grows directly up , which piddle it a near upright contrast to plants that are round and bushy . Little Spire , Filigran and Longin are hardy in USDA zona 5 through 9 .
Perennial and Mixed Borders
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Russian salvia does well in both perennial border and motley borders with bulbs , bush , evergreens , perennials , and other plants . When paired with evergreens , the plants blue flowers create an interesting color contrast . When the summer flower die back , Russian sage stay grandiloquent in lovesome places and adds vertical sake to garden beds . For Russian salvia , though , it can be hard to stand tall because it tends to fall over when it does . To prevent this , plant supportive plants around it and verify the sage gets full Lord’s Day .
flora Russian salvia toward the back of the margin , where it add height and does nt screen smaller plants . This perennial does n’t involve much forethought and can grow in wry , rocky , chalky , or alkaline soil . It also does well in coastal gardens because it can handle salt . tailor the plant life back to 6 inches above the ground in the bound so that the raw growth can bloom . Use rubbing alcohol on a fabric to clean house the pruning shear sword before and after cut back Russian sage .
Russian salvia looks great in rude wildlife gardens because it blooms in a hazy background all summer long and into September . This fragrant plant attracts butterflies and hummingbird while withstand more destructive garden visitors like deer and rabbits . The hunky-dory , crowded stems of the flora offer shelter to good insects as well . For a rude smell , plant your Russian salvia in odd - numbered groups of three , five or seven plants . For an interesting contrast , you could add more color by set pink prime with the sage .
