Photo of Salvia azurea flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Salvia azurea

Also Known As

  • Salvia azurea 'Pitcheri'
  • Salvia azurea var. azurea
  • Salvia pitcheri
  • Azure Blue Sage
  • Pitcher Sage
  • Wild Blue Sage

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Salvia azurea plant details

Salvia azurea is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salvia azurea

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, cutting garden, easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salvia azurea

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Large spikes of deep blue, tubular flowers are born in summer, late summer, and sometimes into fall on this clump forming native perennial wildflower. Under natural conditions Azure Blue Sage produces tall arching stems that terminate into large, often branching, spikes of flowers that are quite suited to use by Hummingbirds and butterflies. Great at the back of the garden or in natural settings.
The bright blue flowers of Blue Sage bloom for an extended period in late summer. Native to southern and western prairie states, it makes its home in rocky prairies, shaded limestone glades, and open woodlands. Salvia azurea is tough as nails and makes an excellent choice for dry sites. Hardy to Zones 4 - 9.
One of my very favorite plants, a plains native that produces dense heads of large, beautiful, to-die-for true blue flowers in late summer and fall. Tough, carefree, and drought tolerant, the only problem with this plant is that the 2-3 foot stems tend to want to sprawl and trail rather than stand up straight. If you really need them to be tidy and compact, cut them back early in the summer to promote branching, or better yet, space them around with other plants so the lax stems can trail here and there, displaying their perfectly sky blue flowers wherever strikes their fancy. Zone 4
A clumping, herbaceous perennial. Long, slender, lax stems to 1m, are clothed in linear, dark green leaves which are covered in fine silvery hairs. During summer and autumn densely packed spikes of brilliant, azure blue, hooded, tubular flowers are produced. Cut back close to ground level as the weather warms. May need some support.

By: Zephs

Growing as a shrubby open bush 5' tall with dense spikes covered with bright azure blue flowers. One of the nicest blue flowering salvias. Blooms over a long period of time during late summer and fall. Zone 4
Greatly admired for its true sky-blue flowers borne in profusion in late Summer & Fall, Salvia azurea is also cold hardy, drought tolerant, easy & fast growing. Forming many upright, branching stems from the base, the flowers are held in densely packed whorls at stem ends above dark green, linear foliage. As it matures, it often takes on a lax habit, leaning against its neighbors, so plant it against a fence or between shrubs or roses (like the beautiful yellow ‘Graham Thomas.’). Alternately, you can pinch it back twice during the growing season to create a more dense habit. A good butterfly attractant, too. Average to rich soil is best. Hardy to -20 degrees F.

Gardening facts about Salvia azurea plant

How to Grow Salvia azurea

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
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