Salvia azurea is a native prairie wildflower. It is 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. 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.
Start salvia seeds indoors in late winter. Barely cover the seeds, then refrigerate for 3 weeks. Full sun. Well-drained soil.