Denim n Lace

Russian Sage

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'Peek a Blue'

Summary: In cross-section, the leaf blade of 'Denim n Lace' is flat whereas the leaf blade of 'Peek a Blue' is concave. The degree of lobing of the leaf blade lobes of 'Denim n Lace' is weak whereas the degree of lobing is medium for 'Peek a Blue'. The colour of the inner and outer sides of the corolla is violet blue for 'Denim n Lace' whereas the corolla of 'Peek a Blue' is lighter violet blue. The colour of the calyx of 'Denim n Lace' is blue violet whereas the calyx of 'Peek a Blue' is lighter blue violet.

Description:

PLANT: vegetatively propagated, perennial type, upright-bushy and arching growth habit, medium density of branching
STEM: light gray green, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration, absent or very weak degree of glaucosity, dense pubescence, medium thickness, square shape in cross-section

LEAF: opposite arrangement along stem, simple type, petiole present
LEAF BLADE: ovate shape, acute apex, attenuate base, pinnatisect lobing with lobes on lobes, no variegation
LEAF BLADE (UPPER SIDE): dense pubescence, absent or very weak degree of glaucosity, light gray green
LEAF BLADE (LOWER SIDE): medium to dense pubescence, light gray green

FLOWERING: once per growing season, early, medium to long length of time
PEDUNCLE: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration, dense pubescence
INFLORESCENCE: panicle type, located at terminal position, erect attitude
CALYX: very dense pubescence, blue violet (RHS 83C)
COROLLA: partially fused lobes, short to medium length, narrow to medium width, bilabiate form, absent or very weak undulation of margin, absent or very sparse pubescence on inner and outer sides, violet blue colour
COROLLA (UPPER and LOWER LIPS): inner side is violet blue (RHS 94A-B), outer side is light violet blue (RHS 94D)
COROLLA TUBE: inner and outer sides are light violet blue (RHS 92D)

Origin & Breeding History: 'Denim n Lace' originated from a cross conducted in 2010, in Zeeland, Michigan, USA, between a proprietary dwarf selection of Perovskia atriplicifolia, as the female parent, and an unknown male parent. 'Denim n Lace' was initially selected in 2012 for its short, compact, and upright plant growth habit with strong, erect stems, long flowering period, large and densely arranged lavender blue flowers on short branched stems, and silver green, highly dissected, pinnately compound and serrate foliage which is retained throughout the growing season. 'Denim n Lace' was first propagated by stem cuttings in 2013.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'Denim n Lace' was conducted outdoors under a galvanized steel structure covered with black mesh shade fabric during the summer of 2016 at Variety Rights Management in Oxford Station, Ontario. The trial included a total of 15 plants each of the candidate and reference variety. All plants were grown as 1 plant per 16 cm pot and the pots were spaced 40 cm apart. Observations and measurements were taken from 10 plants, or parts of plants, of the candidate and reference variety. All colour determinations were made using the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Colour Chart.

Comparison tables for 'Denim n Lace' with reference variety 'Peek a Blue'

Colour of calyx (RHS)

Colour of upper and lower lips of corolla (RHS)

Click on image for larger view

Russian Sage: 'Denim n Lace' (left) with reference variety 'Peek a Blue' (right)