Blue Sage, Pitcher Sage
Salvia azurea Michx. ex Lam. var. grandiflora Benth.
This glorious plant blooms when fall is about to set in at higher-elevation areas of the state. The beautiful sky-blue flowers are happily visited by hummingbirds before they depart for the season. Blue sage can flop a bit in some instances; this can be prevented by early-season pruning in areas of the state with a longer growing season or by giving it something to prop itself on. Can reseed some if it has the time for its seed to mature. In our experience, this plant often does not have time to bloom in exposed sites in higher-elevation areas.
Height: up to 4’
Width: 3-4’
Water needs: dry to moderately moist conditions (but requires good drainage)
Exposure: full sun
Availability in nurseries: uncommon, but easy to start from seed
Native range: NE, CO, UT, and most of the southwestern and Great Plains states
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Photo by Jennifer Thompson
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