Salvia azurea (Azure Blue Sage)
40 seeds $3.50
Salvia azurea is a native prairie wildflower. It's the most striking blue flower in the garden in early fall. It blooms the first year from seed, so it can be grown as an annual where it's not hardy. These seeds were saved from Salvia azurea var. grandiflora, which is an especially nice cultivar.
Salvia azurea tends to flop when it gets tall. To keep it compact, pinch it back to 24" in late June. Or prop it up with a fence, stakes, or other tall plants. The azure-blue flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies .
Salvia azurea is a drought-tolerant perennial. Also known as Azure Blue Sage, Salvia pitcheri and Pitcher Sage. Deer resistant. Hardy in zones 5-9.
height 48" spacing 18"
Sowing Salvia azurea Seeds
Start salvia seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds, then refrigerate for 3 weeks. Full sun. Well-drained soil.