A tall, sun and moisture-loving perennial with slender branching stems that are clothed in aromatic green leaves, and from midsummer, topped with short spikes of sky blue flowers. A fairly fast grower, the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, so it's ideal for a wildlife-friendly garden, as well as adding drama and height to the back of a border.
How to care for Salvia uliginosa African Skies:
To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in autumn. Protect from excessive cold.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.75m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
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.