You are here    Flowers by the Sea / Salvias A to Z / Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'

How to prune this plant

Dealing with Deer?

Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'

(Elk Blue Little Sage) if it were up to us, we would never have named this plant Little Sage. Although it is dainty, it is also one of the most fascinating species we grow. We particularly love its pebbly, oval leaves that are a shiny purple/green on top and a furry white below.

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. Little 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. 12"/24"/18"
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
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
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 foot or less
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 foot or less
High Resolution Images
  • Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
  • Salvia nana 'Elk Blue'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Details
Send to friend
Cultural Icons

(Elk Blue Little Sage) if it were up to us, we would never have named this plant Little Sage. Although it is dainty, it is also one of the most fascinating species we grow. We particularly love its pebbly, oval leaves that are a shiny purple/green on top and a furry white below.  This is a select clone that we have developed here at FBTS.

The mint-green leaves of this spreading sage darken in full sun on hot days. They form an attractive groundcover that blooms summer to fall with deep violet flowers marked with distinct, white beelines. They grow on red spikes rising up to 12 inches tall.

Native to Southern Mexico and Guatemala, this drought-resistant and heat-tolerant beauty is an ideal plant for small gardens and containers. It's also a good choice for perennial borders and kitchen gardens. You can use it in cooking as a culinary sage.

Little Sage thrives in USDA Zones 8 to 11 and may even survive Zone 7 winters if mulched. Give it rich soil that drains easily and full sun to partial shade.

We highly recommend this tasty sage as do the local honeybees. Deer, however, leave it alone.