(Salvia hians) Genus:  Salvia This short-lived perennial from the Himalayas has scented, hairy leaves and forms a small shrub 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide. It bears 1.5-inch-long purplish-blue flowers with white lips (called bee lines) from early to late summer. The flowers are clasped by rusty colored calyxes that accent color of the blooms. Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them.  Care:  Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun; this species tolerates alkaline soil.  Propagation:  Sow seed, or divide plants, in spring. Take cuttings spring through fall. Problems:  Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Blue, Purple Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden, Herb Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials