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Salvia sagittata is often confused with:
Delphinium Delphinium ajacis (annual larkspur) fine foliage
Native alternative(s) for Salvia sagittata:
Salvia azurea Narrow-leaf plant producing spike of pale blue 2-lipped flowers.
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Abronia fragrans Flower closeup
Leonotis leonurus Full Form
Salvia 'Amistad' Dark purple flower above green foliage
Salvia sagittata has some common insect problems:
Whiteflies Found on Flowers and Foliage
Bandedwinged Whitefly on Ornamentals
Twospotted Spider Mites on Landscape Plants

Salvia sagittata

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
SAL-vee-uh saj-ih-TAY-tuh
Description

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. 

More information on Salvia.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Colorful Borders
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#blue flowers#long bloom time#pollinator plant#flowers late spring#flowers early spring#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#border back#butterfly friendly#flowers early fall#flowers midspring
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#blue flowers#long bloom time#pollinator plant#flowers late spring#flowers early spring#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#border back#butterfly friendly#flowers early fall#flowers midspring
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Green to reddish wiry stems with hairs
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer