Salvia Victoria Blue

Salvia 'Victoria Blue' is a superb selection of shrubby sage recently obtained in France. This variety surprises with the colour of its small flowers, a deep violet-blue of rare intensity. They bloom almost continuously from June to September, provided that the plant receives some watering during dry periods. Unlike the majority of blue-flowered cultivars, 'Victoria Blue' has a rather upright habit and forms a dense and well-groomed clump, excellent for borders but also in containers. Microphylla-type salvias are drought-tolerant, remarkably floriferous, and robust but only moderately hardy. In the garden or on the terrace, combine Victoria Blue with varieties with fuchsia pink or velvet red flowers, purple or silver foliage, the result is sumptuous, to say the least!

'Victoria Blue' was recently obtained in France by Christian VIVIES from Salvia microphylla grahamii, among others. This botanical species, also known as Graham's Sage, is a woody perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mexican mountains and southern Arizona.

Salvia 'Victoria Blue' has a slightly upright bushy habit, taller than wide. It will quickly reach about 60 cm (24in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in diameter, within 2 to 3 years. The nectar-rich flowering is generous from late spring to late summer until cold weather puts an end to it. The small elongated flowers borne on very dark stems, in 20 cm (8in) spikes rise above the foliage. They measure 2 cm (1in) in length and are a captivating deep violet-blue shade, illuminated by a small sky blue to white centre and enhanced by small bracts tinged with midnight blue and purple. They only last for a day, covering the ground with their petals in the evening, but will already be replaced the next morning. The semi-evergreen foliage is composed of small ovate leaves with wavy edges, 3 cm (1in) long, dark green, thick, and aromatic, slightly sticky, releasing a strongly acidic-smelling essential oil with heat. Sometimes in autumn, they take on pretty yellow and purple hues.

Only hardy down to -10°C (14°F) in well-drained soil, 'Victoria Blue' sage is nevertheless robust and spectacular; it grows quickly and floods borders or terraces with its long-lasting intense blue flowering. It only requires very well-drained soil, even poor, in sunny or semi-shaded exposure. The lower autumn light enhances the flowering of shrubby salvias, which capture light through their petals like tiny stained glass windows. 'Victoria Blue' lightens up all spring or summer bloomings. But its association with pink autumn asters, 'Royal Bumble' salvias, or the wild species S. grahamii with intense fuchsia flowers is truly fabulous. California poppies, orange tritomas, tall sedums, red foliage of Loropetalum or silver artemisias, sea cinerarias, and certain euphorbias (Euphorbia Ponte Leccia) will compose a charming tableau with it. On the terrace, plant it in a large pot, right next to a Sesbania punicea with outrageously orange pea-like flowers; the colour combination is fantastic!