Oxford Blue Gentian Sage Salvia is a half-hardy perennial that produces extraordinary, jewel-toned flowers in a deep blue that recalls the alpine gentians it's named after. Growing 24 to 30 inches tall and blooming reliably from summer through fall, this heirloom cultivar of Salvia patens thrives in full sun and moderate water across USDA zones 8 and warmer. From seed to first bloom takes 112 to 126 days, rewarding patient gardeners with masses of distinctive two-lipped flowers that attract pollinators and deer won't touch.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
8-8
30in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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The flowers are an arrestingly deep, pure blue that stands out brilliantly in the garden, nothing like the purple-blues of typical salvias. Pollinators find them irresistible, visiting the blooms throughout the long season from June into November. This heirloom variety has survived in cultivation for generations, earning its place in every pollinator garden and cottage border that can accommodate it.
Oxford Blue Gentian Sage is grown primarily for its ornamental flowers in borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. The long, dramatic bloom period makes it valuable for extending floral color deep into autumn.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date in a well-drained germinating mix. Keep the soil at 65 to 75°F; seeds will sprout in 7 to 14 days. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have developed true leaves, and gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings by exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7 to 10 days before transplanting after your last frost date. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun and well-draining soil. Water gently after planting to settle the soil.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last frost date. Surface sow or lightly cover seeds and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.
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