Russian Sage
The Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a deciduous semi-woody subshrub with upright, grayish white stems and lobed, silvery gray leaves. The older stems are woody at the base, and younger stems are herbaceous and square in cross section. The stems and leaves give off a pungent odor when crushed or bruised. In late summer and autumn Russian sage produces 12 in. spires of small, tubular lavender flowers. Flowering persists for two or three months. Russian sage grows in a clump. Place in full sun. ... more
Sweetshrub The Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-9' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green (pale beneath), ovate to elliptic leaves to 6" long turn golden yellow in fall. Leaves are aromatic when bruised. Another common name is hairy allspice which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. It is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loam. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired. Use as a specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. It is utilized for shrub borders, foundations, and native plant areas.
