Russian sage is a wonderful, fragrant addition to the garden, blooming for more than two months in the late summer and fall. Small blue flowers contrast with gray, finely dissected leaves on a widely branched, clump-forming, hardy perennial. Once its root system has become established in the second year of growth, this becomes a perfect plant for very hot, dry, sunny garden settings. Plantings can reach 5 feet in height and spread an equal distance. Rabbits, voles, and deer find the foliage and flowers disagreeable. Russian sage brings a fine, airy texture to the perennial border, and is an example of ethereal excellence.