Salvia sagittata
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SAL-vee-uh saj-ih-TAY-tuh
- Description
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Arrowleaf sage is a blue-flowered, herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the high elevations (above 9000 feet) in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It is one of the larger sages, growing 3 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. The specific epithet is Latin and refers to the arrowhead shape of the leaves.
Plant in well-drained, highly organic soils where this sage will get at least half a day of full sun, and you will enjoy the flowers from early summer until frost. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the roots. It is winter hardy to 20 degrees F with protection. In colder areas, stem cuttings can be taken, rooted on a sunny windowsill and planted out in spring. It is resistant to browsing by deer and is attractive to pollinators. Being native to the Andes, it prefers cooler summers and may have problems with heat and humidity.
Arrowleaf sage is especially attractive because of its large (for a sage) leaves that are whitish on the undersides and its intensely blue flowers. This species is not widely available in the trade, but it is worth seeking out. The flower color is outstanding.
Its tall stature makes it an excellent choice for the back of a border or bed in a butterfly or pollinator garden. It is suitable for container culture.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Whitefly, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are insect problems. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Colorful Borders
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:















- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Salvia
- Species:
- sagittata
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Used in herbal medicine
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Columbia, Peru
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Fruit Type:
- Schizocarp
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Schizocarp has 4 lobes. It seperates to make four, single-seeded nutlets.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Tubular
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- fused petals
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- Sticky blue inflorescence with 1-inch, 2-lipped flowers that reach 2 feet above the leaves on dark stems.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Deltoid
- Leaf Margin:
- Crenate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Description:
- Large, thick arrowhead-shaped leaves are deeply textured, lime-green above and woolly on the undersides.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Green to reddish wiry stems with hairs
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer