Salvia nemorosa 'Bordeau Steel Blue' (Sage) is a compact, bushy perennial with erect spikes of icy, lavender-blue flowers appearing in late spring or early summer. Rising above a round clump of green, aromatic foliage, they last for weeks and bring strong color and form to the early summer border. Grows up to 18-24 in.
Although they are drought-tolerant perennials once mature, do not forget to water young plants, which have more trouble with dry conditions. Since they last only one growing season in the North (which is not long enough for them to become mature), Northerners will have to water them regularly if they expect to get a good display of blooms.
Grow these plants in a full-sun area in the North. In hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade helps protect the plants from intense sunlight.
These plants do not need much fertilizer. Work compost into the soil of your planting bed every few years for them.
The main requirement is that the soil be well-drained. While it is not ideal, they will tolerate clay soil to some degree.
