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Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel'
Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel'
Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel'

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Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel'

(Blau Hügel Meadow Sage) When in bloom, petite Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Hill' more than doubles in height. Its tall, spike-like racemes of violet-blue flowers are so dense and compact that this woodland sage is sometimes called "Blue Mound."

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. Blue Hill Meadow 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. 5 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/24"/28"
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. Full sun to partial 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. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Patent # This plant is patented, or a patent application has been filed and is pending and may not be propagated, under U.S. Federal Code, Title 35, Part II, Chapter 15 §161 without a license from the patent holder. 22,754
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Blau Hügel Meadow Sage) When in bloom, petite Salvia nemorosa 'Blau Hügel' more than doubles in height. In English, the varietal name means "Blue Hill." Its tall, spike-like racemes of violet-blue flowers are so dense and compact that this woodland sage is sometimes called "Blue Mound."

This hardy perennial sage is a longtime favorite that German nurseryman Ernst Pagels introduced in the late 1950s. Pagels was a major influence on the naturalistic style of Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. The Remembrance Gardens of New York's Battery Park, designed by Oudolf, contain Blau Hügel Sage.

Blau Hügel is part of the European Meadow Sage group, which is comprised of four main species -- S. nemorosa, S. pratensis, S. x sylvestris and S. x superba.

European Meadow Sages are adaptable from full sun to partial shade. They are known for excellent cold tolerance, adaptability from full sun to partial shade and appreciation of lots of moisture as long as soil drainage is good. Unlike some of its relatives, this variety also tolerates heat.

Due to a randy habit of cross hybridizing, confusion occurs in scientific naming of Meadow Sages. For example, S. nemorosa 'Blau Hügel' sometimes is referred to as a type of S. x sylvestris.

Whatever you call it, this long-blooming sage is a blue plate special for butterflies and honeybees. Fortunately, similar to so many Salvias, this plant doesn't call deer to dinner.