Overview
Salvia azurea is a upright, bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, deciduous foliage. Salvia azurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers and wildlife gardens. It is native to Central and Eastern North America.
About
Salvia azurea, the blue sage or azure sage, is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Salvia that is native to Central and Eastern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia azurea
About the genus
Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Salvia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Salvia azurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Upright, bushy
- Foliage
- Aromatic, deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Central and Eastern North America
- Fragrance
- Mildly aromatic leaves
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Salvia azurea
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Deer, rabbit resistant
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Salvia azurea?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Salvia azurea?
Salvia azurea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Salvia azurea need?
Salvia azurea grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Salvia azurea?
Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth.
Is Salvia azurea hardy in the UK?
Salvia azurea has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Salvia azurea?
Softwood cuttings, division.
More in the Salvia genus
- Perovskia 'Blue Spire'
- Rosmarinus prostratus
- Salvia 'Black and Blue'
- Salvia 'Ostfriesland'
- Salvia 'Rose Queen'
- Salvia 'Royal Bumble'
- Salvia bicolorSage
- Salvia forskaohleiSage
