Also known as Blue Hummingbird Sage · Blue Sage · Gentian Sage
Salvia patens, or Gentian Sage, is a captivating perennial prized for its brilliant, deep blue, tubular flowers that bloom profusely in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth, but allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 15-24°C during the day. Protect from hard frost; may require overwintering indoors in colder climates.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Provide consistent moisture during the growing season, allowing the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot, especially for potted plants.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant by about one-third in late spring or early summer to promote bushier growth.
In autumn, after flowering, prune back by about half to prepare for winter.
Easily propagated from seed sown in spring, either indoors or directly outdoors after the last frost. Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist potting mix.
Division of established clumps in spring is also effective.
Repot young plants annually in spring into slightly larger containers. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Sage (Salvia patens)
Where Sage (Salvia patens) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia patens |
Similar in genus Salvia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
