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Salvia x 'Big Blue'
Salvia x 'Big Blue'
Salvia x 'Big Blue'
Salvia x 'Big Blue'
Salvia x 'Big Blue'

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Salvia x 'Big Blue'

(Big Blue Sage) This new seed-grown strain can best be described as a much improved Indigo Spires Sage. It has deep blue-green, corrugated leaves and lots of deep blue flower spikes that bloom from summer till the end of the growing season. 

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. Big Blue 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. 24"/18"/36"
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. Rich and 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. PAS 1246577
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. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia x 'Big Blue'
  • Salvia x 'Big Blue'
  • Salvia x 'Big Blue'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Best of Class
Best of Class
We believe this to be the best "Spires" type.
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(Big Blue Sage)  This new seed-grown strain can best be described as a much improved Indigo Spires Sage. It has deep blue-green, corrugated leaves and lots of deep blue flower spikes that bloom from summer till the end of the growing season. Salvia x 'Big Blue' is one of the finest new sages to be introduced in years. Its handsome foliage is reason enough to plant this stand-out.

Similar to its relative, Indigo Spires - discovered in the 1970s as a naturally occurring hybrid at Southern California's Huntington Gardens - Salvia x 'Big Blue' is a cross between Long-spike Mexican Sage (Salvia longaspicata) and the American native plant Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea).

Big Blue displays outstanding hybrid vigor.  It's a great choice as an annual bedding plant nationwide and is perennial in warm winter areas. In containers it's hard to miss - a supreme thriller.

Plant Big Blue in rich soil and provide average watering depending on local rainfall. It's adaptable from full sun to partial shade and handles heat and summer humidity well. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love it.