Salvia azurea (Blue Sage)
Also known as Azure sage, Sky Blue Sage or Pitcher Sage.
Blue Sage is a clump-forming perennial sporting azure blue flowers from mid-summer to fall. It is drought-tolerant once established and it may only need watering in an extended drought. It needs good drainage. It typically grows 2-5 ft tall, but can be cut back to half its size in mid –summer to control size and re-invigorate the plant to become bushier with more blooms. It tolerates a range of soil types, including poor soil, but it does not do well in heavy clay.
Blue Sage fits perfectly in a cottage or meadow garden, rock garden, planted en masse or as a focal point. It pairs well with Maximilian Sunflower, various red-flowering sages as well as Shrubby Boneset and ornamental grasses, such as Gulf Muhly, Lindheimer Muhly or Mexican Feather Grass.
AT A GLANCE
Texas native | Yes |
Water use | Low |
Sun exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Bloom color | Azure blue |
Bloom time | Mid-summer to fall |
Mature height | 2-5 ft |
Mature spread | 1-3 ft |
Attracts | Butterflies, bees |
Notes | Needs good drainage. Native bee and bumble bee friendly. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
Present in state |
Present in county and native |
Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
Not present in state |
Present and rare, native in county |
Previously present, now extinct |
Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |