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Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'
Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'
Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'
Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'

Attracting Hummingbird Tips

Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'

(Ground Ivy Sage) The true blue flowers, displayed above the large leaves and spreading habit makes this a very special plant. As a ground cover in shady locations it has no peer. Fast growing and free blooming, it attracts hummingbirds too.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Ground Ivy Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 9 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 8"/48"+/16"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Partial to full shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Water loving
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 foot or less
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 4 to 5 feet
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  • Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'
  • Salvia scutellarioides 'Elk True Blue'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Ground Ivy Sage)  The true blue flowers, displayed above the large leaves and spreading habit makes this a very special plant.  As a ground cover in shady locations it has no peer.  Fast growing and free blooming, it attracts hummingbirds too.

This native of the Ecuadorian Andes has an extended vertical range - from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet of elevation.  The stems root as they grow, creating a weed suppressing mat.  It does best in moist soils, but will tolerate a wide range of conditions.  It excels as a container plant, the perfect Spiller.

This named variety was selected for its vigor and unusually large flowers.  and yes, they are a true rich deep blue.

The specific name comes from the resemblance of the leaves to plants of the genus Scutellaria or Scullcap.