Salvia 'SoCool Pale Blue' (PBR)
sage (syn. Salvia So Cool Pale Blue)
Salvia 'SoCool Pale Blue' is a semi-evergreen, upright ‘shrubby’ perennial that produces masses of pale lilac-blue lipped flowers from summer to autumn, held on purple calyces. Its aromatic green foliage complements the delicate blooms, creating a striking contrast.
Drought-tolerant once established and highly attractive to bees and other insects, this cultivar is ideal for enhancing garden biodiversity. Its long flowering season and modestly hardy nature in well-drained, sunny spots make it a perfect choice for low-maintenance borders or pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
Drought-tolerant once established and highly attractive to bees and other insects, this cultivar is ideal for enhancing garden biodiversity. Its long flowering season and modestly hardy nature in well-drained, sunny spots make it a perfect choice for low-maintenance borders or pollinator-friendly planting schemes.
How to care for Salvia SoCool Pale Blue (PBR):
When planting, improve drainage by incorporating compost and adding horticultural grit or sand to heavier soils. Space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and water thoroughly.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
Deadhead spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted bark or gravel in early spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid manure-based mulches, which can be too rich.
Feed with a high-potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once growth resumes in spring to promote flowering. Water regularly during dry spells but ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
In colder regions, it may die back, so provide winter protection by applying a dry mulch around the base or lifting and potting up plants to overwinter in a frost-free location.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
