Salvia azurea – Giant Blue Sage (BTF.DR.DRGHT.H.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Blue sage is a delicate herbaceous, clumping perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family native to South and Central United States.

Plant blue sage in full sun to partial shade in sandy or shallow-rocky soil. It prefers moist soil as long as there is good drainage but tolerates occasional drought.  Flowers appear from mid-summer to fall for long lasting interest in the garden. Cut the stems back by 1/2 in the late spring to promote fuller more compact growth as stems can flop over with the weight of the flower spikes and this occurs especially in organically rich soils. This plant is resistant to browsing by deer. Propagate it by division or seed.

Blue sage grows from 3 to 5 feet high and has showy blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies, so consider it for pollinator gardens.  This native works well in the middle of perennial borders, prairie gardens, and open meadows.  It is also at home tucked into a rock or cottage garden.

Host plant for the Hermit sphinx moth (Lintneria eremitus).