Salvia 'Blue Sky'
ornamental sage
Bright blue-violet flowers bring a burst of colour to borders, gravel gardens and sunny planting schemes. Salvia ‘Blue Sky’ is a hardy herbaceous perennial with an upright, naturally airy habit, producing slender flower spikes packed with lipped blooms above leafy stems.
Its clear blue-purple colouring works particularly well among grasses, roses and softer pink or white perennials, while the vertical flower stems help add height without making planting feel heavy. Plant it through a mixed perennial border or repeat it in groups for a stronger display.
The nectar-rich flowers are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, making this an easy choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Its clear blue-purple colouring works particularly well among grasses, roses and softer pink or white perennials, while the vertical flower stems help add height without making planting feel heavy. Plant it through a mixed perennial border or repeat it in groups for a stronger display.
The nectar-rich flowers are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, making this an easy choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
How to care for Salvia Blue Sky:
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
