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Salvia 'Blue Butterflies'
sage
An eye-catching perennial with upright stems and striking cobalt-blue flowers, this plant adds strong vertical accents and long-lasting colour to...
9cm pot
available to order from spring 2027
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from spring 2027
6 × 9cm pots
available to order from spring 2027
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Plant description
An eye-catching perennial with upright stems and striking cobalt-blue flowers, this plant adds strong vertical accents and long-lasting colour to summer displays. The blooms are held on slender spikes from June until the first frosts, with their extended lower petals giving the distinctive look of butterflies in flight. Light green, arrow-shaped foliage provides contrast and texture, while the flowers act as a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
Salvia sagittata ‘Blue Butterflies’ thrives in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil and is equally at home in borders or large containers. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering, and a trim in late summer helps maintain a neat shape. In colder parts of the UK, protect roots with a mulch or fleece for winter survival.
This ornamental sage is less spreading than other species, so plants can be spaced at around 30cm (12in) apart, making it a good choice for smaller gardens where space is limited but vibrant colour and pollinator appeal are still desired.
Salvia sagittata ‘Blue Butterflies’ thrives in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil and is equally at home in borders or large containers. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering, and a trim in late summer helps maintain a neat shape. In colder parts of the UK, protect roots with a mulch or fleece for winter survival.
This ornamental sage is less spreading than other species, so plants can be spaced at around 30cm (12in) apart, making it a good choice for smaller gardens where space is limited but vibrant colour and pollinator appeal are still desired.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
How to care for Salvia Blue Butterflies:
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
