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"     Would it be okay to plant Russian sage in a container (50-quart size)? Does it need to be cut back in fall? Will it need to be protected in winter with burlap or something? Can I fill the bottom third or so with empty aluminum cans to take up space? Thanks for your help! Charlene Kershisnik, Wyoming Dear Charlene, Russian sage (Perovskia) is a very good plant for containers, especially large ones. Its elegant spikes of light lavender-blue flowers provide an airy contrast to perennials, annuals and small shrubs through the summer and into fall, while its pungent gray foliage is attractive for many months. Russian sage can be cut back or not as you decide, but the spent flower stems look attractive with snow on them and provide a little protection for the crowns through the winter. Since you live in a cold winter area, it is advisable to provide some extra winter protection in the form of an organic mulch to insulate the plants. In places with milder winters (Zones 6 to 9), this is not necessary. By all means fill the bottom third of the container with some &amp;quot;filler&amp;quot; product to take up space and reduce weight -- packing peanuts work well. If you use aluminum cans, however, they should be crushed, as they may retain heat in the summer. Always cover the filler with landscaping cloth or some such permeable material so that the soil does not wash into the bottom layer but excess water is able to drain through. Good companions for Russian sage include golden marguerite, ornamental grasses, purple coneflower, even roses. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/q-and-a/a362/planting-russian-sage/>