PEROVSKIA. Russian sage. Iran to Northwest India. The perovskias are elegant, perennial sage allies. They have become much more popular over the past few years, as awareness of their ruggedness and fine ornamental features has grown. Recent trials and selection have improved the offerings available to gardeners. P. abrotanoides (more often erroneously offered as P. atriplicifolia) is a rugged, semishrubby perennial of 2½’ to 5’. It is distinguished by  whitish stems, greyish green, finely cut leaves and tall, airy clusters of small blue flowers, borne in summer. ‘Filigran’ is a recent selection resembling this species but with even more finely cut leaves and tall graceful sprays of lavender flowers. P. atriplicifolia is similar but has leaves which are merely toothed to scallop-edged, and usually less widely branched flower stems. ‘Longin’ is a hybrid most resembling this species. It produces many upright, whitish 2' stems from the base, each lined by pairs of deeply toothed grey green leaves. The flower clusters are shorter than those of other selections but freely produced throughout the summer and fall. Flowers are deep lavender in color. Sun, well drained soil, moderate to occasional watering. Hardy to 0^oF or less.