Salvia uliginosa 'African Skies'
bog sage
A tall, sun and moisture-loving perennial with slender branching stems that are clothed in aromatic green leaves, and from midsummer, topped with short spikes of sky blue flowers. A fairly fast grower, the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, so it's ideal for a wildlife-friendly garden, as well as adding drama and height to the back of a border.
How to care for Salvia uliginosa African Skies:
Plant in full sun in reliably moist, fertile soil. Improve the soil with compost before planting and water regularly during dry spells, particularly while plants are establishing.
This vigorous perennial produces masses of sky-blue flowers from summer into autumn. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued flowering and cut stems back in early spring as new growth emerges.
Apply a mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure in spring to help retain moisture and maintain soil fertility. Although fully hardy, the top growth may die back in winter before regrowing from the base in spring.
This vigorous perennial produces masses of sky-blue flowers from summer into autumn. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued flowering and cut stems back in early spring as new growth emerges.
Apply a mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure in spring to help retain moisture and maintain soil fertility. Although fully hardy, the top growth may die back in winter before regrowing from the base in spring.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.8m
Eventual spread:
0.75m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
