1 / 3Key characteristics
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 12 to 14 in
- Width
- 12 to 16 in
- Flower color
- Rich violet-blue carried on dense, vertical flower spikes
- Foliage color
- Deep green, narrow lance-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low, shear after first bloom to encourage rebloom, remove spent stems at season’s end
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Perennials
Salvia nemorosa 'Salvatore Blue'
Salvatore Blue Meadow Sage
Salvia nemorosa 'Salvatore Blue' produces upright spires of deep blue flowers that bloom from late spring into early summer, with repeat displays often following after the first flush. Each blossom is set against dark-toned calyces that deepen the overall color effect, while narrow, deep green foliage forms neat, well-ordered clumps beneath the blooms. The combination of rich color and clean structure gives the plant a refined presence through the flowering season.
Works well in
- Borders
- Sun Gardens
- Pollinator Gardens
- Rock Gardens
- Containers
Companion plants
Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Sedums · Peonies
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
More perennials

Iris sibirica ‘Tycoon’
Tycoon Siberian Iris
Blooms deep violet-blue with a silver edge
Full sun to partial shade

Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’
Silver Edge Siberian Iris
Blooms blue-violet with a distinctive silver edge
Full sun to partial shade

Lobelia speciosa 'Starship Blue'
Starship Blue Cardinal Flower
Blooms blue to violet
Full sun to part shade

Tradescantia virginiana
Virginia Spiderwort
Blooms blue to violet purple with yellow stamens
Full sun to partial shade