Photo of Salvia lyrata flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Photo by Far South Wholesale Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Salvia lyrata

Also Known As

  • Cancer Weed
  • Lyre-Leaf Sage

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 12"
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Salvia lyrata plant details

Salvia lyrata is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with burgundy foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Salvia lyrata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen burgundy
Mature size: 12 IN wide, 12 IN tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, edging plant, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Salvia lyrata

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Native to the U.S., this is a pretty little clumping salvia sporting attractive lyre-shaped leaves with purple net markings. Nectar rich flowers on 18” stems attract hummers, bees and butterflies; the blooms are two lipped lavender blue and occur April > June. In autumn, seeds attract goldfinches and other songbirds. Easy to grow in full sun to light shade; average garden conditions in most soils; will take moist to wet areas near ponds. Deer resistant. Self-sows if happy.

Gardening facts about Salvia lyrata plant

How to Grow Salvia lyrata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Salvia for your garden

aka Bee Sage, White Sage

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia apiana foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

aka Salvia cacaliaefolia, Salvia cacaliifolia, Cacalia Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Salvia cacaliifolia [Guatemalan Blue] flower by J.G. in SF
View Plant

More Options

aka Chiapas Sage

Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular
Photo of Salvia chiapensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia clevelandii form by Kenpei
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More Options

aka Chia

Plant Type

Herb, Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-12

Size

Height: 4"-20"

Width: 4"-12"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Salvia columbariae close-up, flower by Curtis Clark
View Plant

More Options

+476 more Salvia
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