A genus in the Mint family that includes only 4 species, all aromatic subshrubs with silvery foliage and an open branching habit. The best of these is a native of Pakistan named P. atriplicifolia, and it's one of the great garden plants of all time.

This semiwoody perennial carries a cloud of small blue flowers on widely arching stems that grow 3-4ft tall and as wide. The effect is a charming, airy haze of soft blue against silvery gray, pungently aromatic foliage.

Bloom begins in July and continues right through September, which makes Perovskia an exceptionally long-blooming perennial. Plants are vigorous and very hardy, ignoring heat, drought, and pests, while always looking fresh. A superb companion for pink Malva, Garden Phlox of every hue, Rudbeckia, Sedum, ornamental Grasses -- you get the idea.