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Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul'
Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul'
Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul'

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Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul'

(Dwarf Bog Sage) Intense sky blue flowers with white beelines are set against mid-green foliage in this dwarf Bog Sage that is about half as tall and wide as its parent species when in bloom.

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. Dwarf Bog Sage or Blue Spike 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. 6 - 10
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 18"/24"+/24"
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. Any
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
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 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Dwarf Bog Sage) Intense sky blue flowers with white beelines are set against mid-green foliage in this dwarf Bog Sage that is about half as tall and wide as its parent species when in bloom.

Salvia uliginosa 'Ballon Azul' has a whimsical appellation combining French and Spanish. German nurseryman Ewald Hügin developed this cultivar, which is as cheerful looking as a blue balloon.

Highly adaptable, Bog Sages are ideal for the beginning Salvia gardener. They aren't fussy plants, and they aren't tasty to deer. You won't have to invent clever barricades to keep them safe from browsers.

Give these undemanding sages well-drained soil of almost any kind. Plant them in full sun to partial shade. As their common and scientific names indicate they love water, but they also do well in dry conditions -- a situation in which their stolons spread more slowly.

Nevertheless, baby your Dwarf Bog Sage a bit with average supplemental watering based on local conditions. After all, in the wild, its parent species is native to the bogs of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

Normally, Salvia uliginosa is a back-of-border choice. But due to the size of Ballon Azul, its petite yet graceful flower spikes are made for a starring role in the front row. Stoop down, brush its foliage with your hand and enjoy the fragrance. It's also a good plant for a patio container.

Cold and heat tolerant, this species grows well in regions ranging from the arid Rocky Mountain West to the humid Deep South. Full sun is fine in all but the hottest and most arid environments.

Hurry up and order! We predict this new addition to our catalog will be as popular as balloons.