Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Blue, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Foundation, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

This prairie perennial may be the tallest salvia around, at 2 to 5 feet tall (and even taller). It is unbranched, or with a few small stems near the flower. The leaves are greyish green, narrowly lanceolate, with serrated margins toward their tips, and 3 to 5 inches long. The foliage exudes a sage scent and has a sage taste. The flowers grow in whorls along the last foot or so of stem, and are light blue. Flowers in late summer and early fall. Enjoyed by bees, butterflies, and moths. There is currently one planted in the Washington Square Garden.

Prefers dry soils and full sun; too much water, too much fertilizer, or too much loamy-goodness will result in an even taller salvia but with less flowering. It tolerates high alkaline soils. Cut back hard in late winter.