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Salvia atrocyanea
Salvia atrocyanea
Salvia atrocyanea
Salvia atrocyanea

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Salvia atrocyanea

(Dark Flowered Bolivian Sage) Here is a water-loving beauty with dusky blue flowers --a native of the moist Yungas piedmont forests of Northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. Salvia atrocyanea is well adapted to both full sun and partial shade.

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. Dark Flowered Bolivian 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. 72"/60"/84"
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 & 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. 6 feet plus
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 5 to 6 feet
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  • Salvia atrocyanea
  • Salvia atrocyanea
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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From The Blog

(Dark Flowered Bolivian Sage) Here is a water-loving beauty with dusky blue flowers -- a native of the moist Yungas piedmont forests of Northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. Salvia atrocyanea is well adapted to both full sun and partial shade.

Although a tall sage, the branches of this perennial are so heavy with blossoms and large bracts that they droop gracefully. The dramatic bracts, which protect the S. guaranitica-type blossoms, are mid-green tinged with bluish purple. The mid-to-dark green leaves are oval shaped with long, fine tips and serrated edges.

The Wisconsin-based website Hummingbird Gardening in the Upper Midwest notes that although S. atrocyanea isn't cold-hardy, the website owners have overwintered it successfully in a cool sunroom. We love to hear about these kinds of experiments.

Whereas cyanea refers to the blue of this sage's flowers and bracts, atro means "dark." The common name -- Dark Flowered Bolivian Sage -- combines the plant's coloring with part of its native distribution.

Deer resist the charms of Dark Flowered Bolivian Sage, but hummingbirds can't.