Species sage
blue-white flowers with green buds, green leaves and stems

sage

Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue'

Sage (Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue') is an herbal perennial that is distinguished by its compact, blue-tinted foliage and its cheerful, bright blue flowers. Growing up to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 24 inches, it is ideal for containers, planting beds, and other small garden areas. Its three-inch conical spikes are held above a clump of green foliage and add a subtle and beautiful accent to the garden. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for low-maintenance spots in the garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green,azure

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water sage once a week, and keep the soil lightly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. To check if your sage needs water, stick a finger into the soil. If the top of the soil feels dry, give it a drink. Give the plant roughly 1 inch of water, or enough to moisten the entire root ball. Do not let the soil dry out between waterings. During periods of extreme heat, water sage every 3-4 days.

sunlight

Sage (Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue') should be given full sun for optimal growing conditions. The best time of day for this plant to absorb the sun's rays is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. During this period, the plant should recieve a minimum of 6 hours of direct light from the sun. While it may still benefit from some shade, too much shade may cause the plant to produce few flowers or to become spindly.

pruning

Sage (Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue') should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. In the spring during March or April, trim 3-4 inches off of the top of the plant, and remove the woody stems. This will encourage the growth of fresh, new foliage. In the fall around late October, prune to an overall height of 6-8 inches. Trim off the long stems and leaves to maintain the shape of the plant and thin out any dense areas. This will promote air circulation and help to reduce the risk of diseases or pests.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Salvia azurea 'Little Boy Blue' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map