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With its aromatic silver-grey leaves and upright spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers, Russian sage makes a wonderful companion to all kinds of late-summer ornamental grasses and perennials. This is one of the smaller varieties so is the best choice if space is limited or you find the taller varieties get too floppy. This deciduous sub shrub makes a real impact planted en masse alongside a path where the sage-like fragrance of its leaves can be appreciated or try it alongside other silver-leaved plants or in swathes in a sunny border. It can also cope with dry chalky soils and coastal conditions.

• Garden care: In March cut back to the permanent framework of the shrub. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.