Salvia azurea.
Blue Sage, also known as Pitcher Sage, is a perennial wildflower native to much of the eastern and central United States where it can often be found growing in prairies, meadows, plains, and pastures.
Plant grows to about 5 feet in height and produces tall whorled spikes of pale blue flowers that bloom from August through October.
Blue Sage
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones:
4 to 9
Light Requirement:
Full to partial sun
Soil Type:
Sandy, rocky
Sow Depth:
Surface
Plant Spacing:
18 inches
Germination Note:
Cold stratification required
Stratification Time:
30 days
Bloom Time:
May through July
Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the soil's surface. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 30 days (cold stratification) before direct planting. Keep soil moist until germination, which should occur within 1 to 2 weeks.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.
