Salvia ‘Big Swing’ is a popular ornamental sage that brings a vibrant splash of color to garden spaces. This striking perennial features large, rich cobalt blue flowers held aloft on strong, branched stems. Its upright habit and lush foliage contribute to its overall appeal, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking visual interest and lasting beauty.
Distinctive Features and Benefits
Salvia ‘Big Swing’ features vibrant cobalt blue blooms, emerging from spring through fall for an extended season of color. The plant reaches 3 to 4 feet tall with a 2 to 2.5-foot spread, though its flower spikes can extend up to 4 feet. Its large, arrow-shaped, velvety, grayish-green leaves add textural interest even when not in bloom.
It withstands warm conditions. Once established, Salvia ‘Big Swing’ exhibits drought tolerance. It is also deer resistant. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Planting and Ideal Growing Conditions
Successful establishment of Salvia ‘Big Swing’ requires an appropriate site that receives ample sunlight. The plant performs best in full sun, though it can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates where afternoon shade can be beneficial. Well-drained soil is essential, as it does not tolerate soggy conditions. The plant adapts to various soil types, from average to rich, and tolerates a pH between 6.1 and 7.8.
Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and incorporate a 3-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant’s container, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. When planting multiple specimens, space them 18 to 24 inches apart for mature growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
Once established, Salvia ‘Big Swing’ is relatively low-maintenance, though consistent moisture encourages prolific blooming. While drought tolerant, it benefits from regular watering when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil become dry or foliage wilts. Water deeply at the plant’s base in the morning or afternoon, allowing the soil to dry out between applications to prevent root issues.
This salvia is a light feeder, requiring minimal supplemental fertilizer. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring or a thin layer of compost around the plant’s base is sufficient. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth.
Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season encourages new blooms and extends its flowering period. To rejuvenate or maintain shape, prune the plant by one-third to one-half in early spring, cutting back to healthy leaves or where new growth is emerging. In mild climates, a mid-season “haircut” can promote a fresh flush of growth and flowers. Salvia ‘Big Swing’ is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 9; in colder regions, it may be grown as an annual or require winter protection.
Integrating Salvia Big Swing in Your Landscape
Salvia ‘Big Swing’ offers versatility in garden design. Its upright form and vibrant blue flowers make it an excellent choice for mixed borders, providing a strong vertical element and a pop of color. Its heat and drought tolerance make it well-suited for xeriscapes or rock gardens, requiring less water once established.
Consider massing Salvia ‘Big Swing’ for dramatic visual impact or incorporating it into pollinator gardens to support local wildlife. It performs well in containers with adequate drainage. Companion plants sharing similar sun and well-drained soil requirements include lavender, coneflowers, sedum, and ornamental grasses, creating a cohesive and appealing landscape.