Blue Spike Sage Salvia uliginosa

Bog sage is an open, upright, spreading species of sage, sometimes listed as a half-hardy annual, native to Brazil and northern Argentina. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family and grows 4 to 5 feet in height and 4 to 8 feet in width. The species epithet is Lating and means “of boggy or wet areas.”

This salvia performs best in full sun and thrives in damp to boggy soil. It tolerates poorly drained soils, but will also grow well in ordinary garden soil. In favorable conditions, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes.

Its ornamental appeal is the continuous display of small, clear, sky-blue flowers produced on the upright spikes. The flowers open in the morning and fall by late afternoon in hot weather but are replaced by newly opening flowers the next morning. Blooming from spring through summer, the blue flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. American goldfinches will visit them for the seeds.

Use this sage in a mass planting in riparian, rain garden or naturalized areas. It is also a wonderful addition to a butterfly, cottage, or pollinator garden. It is best planted at the back of the border as it could benefit from staking or mixing with other plants to hold it upright. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. However, it may become weedy in wet soils, spreading underground by rhizomes.

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.