About Blue Salvia

About Blue Salvi

As of this writing it’s too late to start by seed but you’ll find nice size

sprouts at most nurseries. Salvias, also known as sage, blue sage, or

azure sage; grow wild in the desert, which means they don’t take a lot of

care. A tall, thin upright plant with green-grey velvety leaves; speckled

with pretty purplish-blue, small bell-shaped flowers. (Beware: many

will be mistake Blue Salvia for a Lavender Plant).

Blue Salvia is considered an herb and is perennial. The ability to grow in

a variety of soils makes Salvia well suited for us here in Arizona. Most

popular varietal valley-wide is the Mealycup Sage or ‘Fairy Queen’; so

named for the powdery white-felted, hairy spot on each flower being

remnant of fairy dust. A sure bet for Sun Lakes summers as it is a

tough, drought tolerant and a long-flowering. Salvia is a summertime

pollinator magnet from the mint family. They are easily transplantable.

Of course this plant takes full sun and actually flowers during the

summer. Combine with oleanders or lantana and you’ll have a flowering

garden through our hottest months. Salvias are great in the ground or in

large pots and can get 2 feet high and 2 feet wide. Because salvias get

tall, they make a nice background for the rest of your garden.

Initially, you apply frequent, shallow watering to encourage root

development. Usually about 3 times a week for 3 weeks should do it.

Once the plant is established, allow the soil to dry out to mimic their

natural drought tolerant habitat. Just once a week give a good long drink

(into the ground, not over the plant) through September. Pruning is

necessary. No need to be aggressive, just cut back a bit in spring and

again after a long hard summer, removing all the dead, dry stuff.

If you cut back twice yearly then your plant will probably bloom up to 4

times a year.

If a salvia doesn’t stand upright, it’s usually because too much water or

fertilizer and not enough sun. If it does get limp or floppy, then it can be

tied up to a stake. Because it is a wild flower, I don’t amend soil or feed

it with plant food or fertilizer. I just leave it be, let it do it’s thing. Expect

to enjoy your Salvia about 3-4 years.