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Salvia atropatana
Salvia atropatana
Salvia atropatana
Salvia atropatana

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Salvia atropatana

(Iranian Oil Sage) Butterflies and honeybees are drawn to the long blooming, dusky violet-blue flowers of Salvia atropatana. However, deer say no to its charms, due to its essential oils being less than tasty.

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. Iranian Oil 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 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 18"/18"/42"
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
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
Synonym Salvia kopetdaghensis, S. bachtiarica
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  • Salvia atropatana
  • Salvia atropatana
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Iranian Oil Sage) Butterflies and honeybees are drawn to the long blooming, dusky violet-blue flowers of Salvia atropatana. However, deer say no to its charms, due to its essential oils being less than tasty.

When not in bloom, Iranian Oil Sage appears petite. But then it shoots out long, branched flower spikes that are attractively dark and fuzzy. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, thrives with average watering based on local rainfall and tolerates heat and cold.

Native to Central Asia from Southeast Turkey to Iran, this Meadow Sage is closely related to S. pratensis. Its oils are the topic of Iranian cancer research. A 2013 study by Shiraz University indicates potential antioxidant use.

In 1873, Baltic botanist Alexander Georg von Bunge gave S. atropatana its name in his scientific memoir Labiatae Persicae. The book details plants in the mint family -- now mostly referred to as Laminaceae -- that Bunge encountered during his Asian plant explorations.

According to Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, scientific synonyms for this perennial include S. bachtiarica, which Bunge had identified as a separate species in his book, and S. kopetdaghensis.