Dannette Hunnel
As of this writing, it’s too late to start by seed, but you’ll find nice-size sprouts at most nurseries. Salvias, also known as sage, blue sage, or azure sage, grow wild in the desert, which means they don’t take a lot of care. Blue salvia is a tall, thin, upright plant with green-grey, velvety leaves speckled with small, pretty, purplish-blue, bell-shaped flowers. (Beware: Many will mistake blue salvia for a lavender plant.)
Blue salvia is considered an herb and is perennial. The ability to grow in a variety of soils makes salvia well suited for us here in Arizona. The most popular varietal valley-wide is the mealycup sage, or “Fairy Queen,” so named for the powdery, white-felted, hairy spot on each flower being reminiscent of fairy dust.
Salvia is a sure bet for Sun Lakes summers, as it is tough, drought-tolerant, and long-flowering. Salvia is a summertime pollinator magnet from the mint family. They are easily transplantable.
Of course, this plant takes full sun and actually flowers during the summer. Combine with oleanders or lantana, and you’ll have a flowering garden through our hottest months. Salvias are great in the ground or in large pots and can get two feet high and two feet wide. Because salvias get tall, they make a nice background for the rest of your garden.
Initially, you apply frequent, shallow watering to encourage root development. Usually about three times a week for three weeks should do it. Once the plant is established, allow the soil to dry out to mimic their natural drought-tolerant habitat. Just once a week, give a good, long drink (into the ground, not over the plant) through September. Pruning is necessary. No need to be aggressive—just cut back a bit in spring and again after a long, hard summer, removing all the dead, dry stuff.
If you cut back twice yearly, then your plant will probably bloom up to four times a year.
If a salvia doesn’t stand upright, it’s usually because there’s too much water or fertilizer and not enough sun. If it does get limp or floppy, then it can be tied up to a stake. Because it is a wildflower, I don’t amend soil or feed it with plant food or fertilizer. I just leave it be and let it do its thing. Expect to enjoy your salvia about three to four years.