Salvia azurea, Blue sage is Native to North Carolina through Tennessee and is an easy-to-grow and beautiful plant for medium to somewhat dry soils. It might also be called Azure Blue Sage or Pitcher Sage. In a prairie planting or naturalized setting the unusual clear blue blooms are visible from a distance despite the plants relative sparseness. The blue is a welcome sight among the many yellow prairie flowers of early fall. This bloom period of Blue Sage of late summer through early fall, attracts lots of bees and butterflies to the nectar.  Indigenous in the southern and western prairie states, Salvia azurea is tough as nails and is an excellent choice for dry sites. Rocky prairies, limestone glades open woodlands are the natural habitats for this drought tolerant native.

Care

It grows in full to part sun, with moderate to moist conditions in rich and well-drained. It is drought tolerant. Best grown in zones 7-10.

Growth Habit

This bloom period of Blue Sage of late summer through early fall, attracts lots of bees and butterflies to the nectar.  If you rub or brush against the leaves they will emit the aromatic smell typical of Salvia species, which also keeps it safe from most herbivores like deer and rabbits

Toxicity

Blue Sage is free from the nasties that could harm your furry friend. The ASPCA has given it a thumbs-up, confirming its non-toxic status for dogs. This plant is resistant to browsing by deer.