(Russell’s Whorled Sage) Although similar in appearance to Salvia verticillata, which is commonly called Lilac Sage, Salvia russellii has whorls of smaller, purplish-blue flowers supported by deep purple calyxes. It's foliage also differs from that of Lilac Sage, which has elongated heart-shaped leaves with ruffled margins. Instead, it features fuzzy, minty green leaves that are oblong and pebbly.

Both sages are from Eurasia, with Salvia russellii being native to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. It’s adaptable to a variety of soils and can be found growing wild in desert lands as well as in fallow and cultivated fields, Oak meadows, and rocky slopes. Patrick Russell (1727-1805), a Scottish naturalist and medical doctor, discovered it in Aleppo, Syria, near the end of the 18th century.

This lovely sage grows well in full sun to partial shade. Although it tolerates both heat and drought, Salvia russellii prefers average watering based on local rainfall.