Salvia microphylla Blue Note

The Salvia 'Blue Note' is a recently developed shrubby sage that has small, dark green and aromatic leaves. It blooms continuously from summer to frost, as long as it gets some watering during dry periods. This variety is also known for its slightly upright habit and great performance in pots. Microphylla type salvias are not very demanding in terms of water, they are remarkably floriferous and sturdy, but moderately hardy. When combined with varieties that have fuchsia pink or velvet red flowers, this plant can create a stunning and sumptuous display in the garden or on the terrace.

Salvia microphylla grahamii, also known as Graham's sage, is a woody perennial plant of the Lamiaceae or labiate family native to the Mexican mountains and southern Arizona. Salvia 'Blue Note' has a slightly spreading bushy habit that grows as wide as it is tall, reaching about 60 cm (23.6 in) in all directions with rapid growth. It generously produces nectar-rich and honey-producing flowers from the beginning of summer until autumn, until cold weather stops the flowering. The flowers are small and elongated, measuring 2 cm (0.8 in) in length and are adorned with a royal blue colour of rare intensity enhanced by small bracts tinged with midnight blue and purple. The flowers only last a day, covering the ground with their petals in the evening, but will already be replaced the following day. The semi-evergreen foliage comprises small, ovate leaves with crenate edges, 3 cm (1.2 in) long, dark green, thick and aromatic, a bit sticky, releasing a strong acidic odour when heated. The leaves sometimes take on lovely yellow and purple hues in autumn.

The 'Blue Note' sage is a robust and spectacular plant that can survive temperatures as low as -10°C. It quickly develops and covers flowerbeds with its incredibly blue flowers. It can thrive in well-drained, even poor soil, in a sunny or semi-shaded location. During autumn, the lower light enhances the flowering of shrubby salvias, giving it a magical appearance, like tiny stained glass windows. 

'Blue Note' sage can be paired with various other plants. It can accompany the spring bloom of rockroses, rosemary, and red penstemons. The result is truly fabulous when combined with pink autumn asters and 'Royal Bumble' salvias or the wild species S. grahamii. Additionally, it can be paired with gauras, tall sedums, shrubby potentillas, and the silver foliage of artemisias or cinerarias to create a charming picture. 

If you have a terrace, 'Blue Note' sage can be planted in a large pot beside a Sesbania punicea and vibrant orange sweet peas to create a fantastic colour combination!