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Salvia patens 'Oxford Blue'
Salvia patens 'Oxford Blue'
Salvia patens 'Oxford Blue'

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Salvia patens 'Oxford Blue'

(Oxford Blue Gentian Sage) Only Salvia patens 'Blue Angel' comes close to the hard-to-believe, rich gentian blue of this sage from Mexico. Oxford Blue also grows taller and spreads wider than Blue Angel.

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. Oxford Blue Gentian 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. 8 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 36"/36"/48"
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 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 & rich
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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia patens 'Oxford Blue'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Oxford Blue Gentian Sage) Only Salvia patens 'Blue Angel' comes close to the rich gentian blue of this sage from Central Mexico. Oxford Blue also grows taller and spreads wider than Blue Angel.



Well branched and compact, this Gentian Sage is reliably perennial in USDA Zones 8 to 11. Its lustrous, true blue flowers are 2 1/2 inches long and bloom from summer into fall. They make it a worth growing as a summer bedding plant in areas with colder winters.

Oxford Blue likes regular watering and rich, well-drained soil. It does fine in full sun or partial shade and can handle moist corners of the yard. Use it as a path edging, border, groundcover or container plant.

German botanist Karl Hartweg discovered the Salvia patens species in 1838. British horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas later called it "the best plant in cultivation."

True blue is not a part of the color spectrum that hummingbirds favor, but they do love the rich nectar of the Gentian Sages. To ensure that hummingbirds stop by to tank up, mix Gentians with red flowered species.