Blue Sage
salvia uliginosa
Also known as: ["Blue Salvie","Wetland Sage"]
Overview
A deciduous perennial herbaceous plant with striking sky-blue flowers and a graceful, arching habit.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Botanical Name: | Salvia uliginosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, containers, or mixed perennial beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; major pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth annually to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight daily; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun in summer; place in dappled shade if signs of scorching appear.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently in hot, dry conditions
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering; adjust based on weather and season.
Soil
moist, well-draining, fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures; protect from extreme heat or cold.
Protect from frost; avoid placing near heat sources; maintain moderate humidity in hot conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late autumn; use a balanced formula for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; softwood cuttings root easily in warm conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a healthy bud or leaf node; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth; deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape the plant; remove spent flowers; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme heat; stunted growth or blackened stems in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage tender stems and leaves; prolonged cold may lead to dieback.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; rapid water loss stresses the plant.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type and dilution; apply during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; cease in dormant periods.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSalvia uliginosa is not toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicSalvia uliginosa is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSalvia uliginosa, commonly known as bog sage, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Salvia uliginosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How often should Salvia uliginosa be watered?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Can Salvia uliginosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in large containers with well-draining soil.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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