Salvia ‘Blue Note’ is a compact and visually appealing plant known for its vibrant blue flowers. This popular hybrid offers a continuous display, adding beauty and attracting pollinators to garden spaces throughout the growing season.
Salvia Blue Note Characteristics
Salvia ‘Blue Note’, a variety of Salvia greggii, is a sub-shrub with vivid blue to purple flowers that bloom from late spring through autumn until the first frosts. The flowers, borne on terminal racemes, have a hooded upper petal and three lower lobes, sometimes with a paler hood or a small white “bee line” near the throat. This plant typically reaches 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) in height and 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) in spread, forming a bushy, upright mound. Its small, ovate to elliptic, mid-green leaves are aromatic, releasing a lightly minty scent when touched. The abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Growing Salvia Blue Note
Light
Salvia ‘Blue Note’ thrives in full sun, ideally six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, less sun may result in fewer blooms and leggier growth.
Soil
Well-draining soil is important for Salvia ‘Blue Note’ to prevent root rot from soggy conditions. It performs best in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil, from loamy to sandy types. The plant prefers a neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline soil pH, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Amending heavy soils with organic matter or horticultural grit before planting can improve drainage.
Watering
After planting, regular watering helps Salvia ‘Blue Note’ establish its root system. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant. During extended dry spells or hot weather, occasional deep watering is beneficial, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between applications. Container plants typically require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing
Salvia ‘Blue Note’ is not a heavy feeder and generally does not require extensive fertilization. Applying a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring, or a thin layer of aged compost, can provide sufficient nutrients. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Pruning encourages bushiness and repeat blooming. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the summer promotes continuous flowering by preventing seed set. A more significant cut back, removing one-third to one-half of the plant after the first main flush of blooms, can stimulate a second wave. In late autumn, a light trim to remove spent flower stems is appropriate, leaving some top growth for winter protection.
Winter Care
Salvia ‘Blue Note’ is generally frost-hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures down to approximately -10 to -15°C (14 to 5°F), corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 7-9. In colder regions or areas prone to severe frosts, applying a thick layer of mulch around the plant’s base in late autumn can provide root insulation. In very cold climates, growing it in containers allows for bringing the plant indoors or providing sheltered conditions during winter. For shrub types of salvia, it is recommended to leave stems intact through winter for protection, pruning back in early spring when new growth is visible.
Designing with Salvia Blue Note
The compact, upright growth of Salvia ‘Blue Note’ suits various garden applications. It serves well in the front to mid-border of perennial beds, providing a continuous blue display. Its neat form and vibrant color also make it an excellent choice for container plantings on patios or balconies. Mass plantings create a striking visual impact, forming swaths of intense blue. Companion plants that complement its blue hues include those with yellow, white, or pink flowers, such as coreopsis, coneflowers, or ornamental grasses.
Troubleshooting Salvia Blue Note
Several common issues can affect Salvia ‘Blue Note’, but most are manageable with adjustments to care. Poor blooming often results from insufficient sunlight or over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen products. Leggy growth, characterized by stretched-out stems, usually indicates inadequate light or inconsistent watering. Adjusting light exposure, watering frequency, or fertilization can help. While generally robust, salvias can occasionally be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions or if air circulation is poor. Ensuring proper spacing between plants and avoiding overhead watering can reduce the risk. Slugs and snails may occasionally target young growth, especially in damp environments, and can be managed with appropriate garden practices.