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Salvia azurea (Pitcher sage)

Salvia azurea Photo/Illustration: Charles Mann



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Salvia azurea SAL-vee-ah ah-ZURE-ee-ah Common Name: Pitcher sage Synonyms: Salvia pitcheri Genus: Salvia
Pitcher sage is a wonderful wildflower found growing over a wide area of the Great Plains. Blooming in late summer and early fall, this perennial is admired for its sky blue flowers and remarkable xeric qualities. This salvia grows to 30 to 36 inches in height, but may be pinched back for bushier growth.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This native has sky blue flowers in late summer and early fall.
 Care: Provide full sun to light shade and any well-drained soil except clay. Pinch the lax stems once or twice in early summer to encourage sturdier growth that will support the blooms.
 Propagation: Take cuttings of newer growth anytime, or divide plants in early spring.
 Problems: Infrequent.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Late Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden, Rock Garden, Xeric Bed
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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