Peruvian Sage Salvia 'Peru Blue'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Peru Blue', often referred to with its common name Peruvian Sage, showcases a mesmerizing display of vibrant blue flowers that are known to attract both hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. The blossoms, presenting a striking tubular shape, stand out against the contrasting green foliage. The leaves themselves are textured, often having a slightly ruffled or wrinkled appearance, and exude a pleasant aroma when crushed or brushed against, which is characteristic of many plants in the sage family. The color of Peruvian Sage's flowers is a deep, rich blue, something not commonly found in many garden plants, and they are usually arranged in whorls along the flowering spikes, creating an elongated inflorescence that adds a vertical dimension to the plant's visual appeal. The plant bears these colorful flower spikes above its foliage, on stems that are sturdy and sometimes show a reddish or purplish tinge, especially when exposed to full sunlight. The leaf shape is ovate to lanceolate, and the edges can either be smooth or slightly serrated. The contrast between the blue flowers and the green foliage creates a striking display in garden beds, borders, or as a specimen plant. The overall impression of Salvia 'Peru Blue' is one of a vibrant, aromatic, and showy plant that can provide a pop of color and a touch of the exotic to a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Peru Blue Salvia, Incan Sage
Common names
Salvia 'Peru Blue'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Peru Blue' is a variety of Salvia, and most Salvia species are not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is always wise to exercise caution and refrain from ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption. If a person were to ingest parts of the plant, there may be some risk of gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction, but significant toxicity requiring medical attention is rare.
To pets
The Salvia 'Peru Blue' plant, which is a type of Salvia, is generally considered to have low toxicity for pets, including cats and dogs. However, as with any non-food plant, it can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea. It is best to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8-10
Native area
Peru
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia 'Peru Blue' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination and the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant produces vibrant blue flowers that can add a splash of color and visual interest to any garden or landscape.
- Ease of Maintenance: Generally, it is considered low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is well established in the right conditions.
- Aromatic Foliage: The leaves of the Salvia 'Peru Blue' can release a pleasant fragrance when disturbed, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a long blooming season that can extend from late spring into fall, providing a lasting display of color.
- Versatility: This plant can be used in various garden designs, including borders, containers, and as a focal point in landscaping projects.
- Deer Resistance: Salvia 'Peru Blue' is generally resistant to deer, which can be particularly beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The vibrant blue flowers of Salvia 'Peru Blue' can be used as natural dyes to color fabrics or artworks.
- When dried, the flowers and leaves can be included in potpourri blends to add a pleasant aroma to indoor spaces.
- Salvia 'Peru Blue' can be planted as a border along walkways or patios to take advantage of its striking color and texture.
- The stems of Salvia 'Peru Blue' can be used for crafting, such as in wreath-making or as part of decorative arrangements.
- With its intense blue flowers, this plant is used to create contrasting color schemes in butterfly gardens alongside plants with bright yellow or orange blooms.
- The fragrant leaves may be used in homemade sachets to impart a subtle fragrance in drawers and closets.
- This plant can be grown in containers on balconies or patios, not only for its ornamental value but also as a privacy screen due to its dense foliage.
- Salvia 'Peru Blue' is sometimes used in educational settings for horticulture students to study plant growth patterns and flower development.
- The plant can serve as a natural pest repellent in gardens due to its aromatic leaves, which some insects find undesirable.
- Salvia 'Peru Blue' is utilized in cut flower arrangements, often prized for its lasting blooms that retain color and form well.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia, commonly known as sage, has been associated with healing due to its medicinal properties and frequent uses in traditional medicine.
- Wisdom: Sage is a symbol of wisdom and is often connected to the idea of gaining knowledge and understanding.
- Cleansing: Sage is commonly used for smudging in various cultures to purify and cleanse spaces of negative energies.
- Longevity: Due to its hardiness and health benefits, sage is sometimes used as a symbol of longevity and immortality.
- Spiritual Awakening: As a plant used in spiritual rituals, sage can represent spiritual awakening and the quest for higher consciousness.
WaterFor the Peruvian Sage, which is another name for Salvia 'Peru Blue', water it thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. This might equate to watering approximately once a week, but you'll need to adjust depending on the season and climate. Use enough water to moisten the soil all the way through to the roots but avoid waterlogging. Typically, a couple of gallons every week during the growing season should suffice, tapering off in fall and winter when the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightPeruvian Sage thrives best when it receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place it in a location where it can enjoy unfiltered sunlight for at least six hours a day. These plants can tolerate some light shade, particularly in the hottest parts of the day, but they bloom most abundantly with ample sunlight.
TemperaturePeruvian Sage prefers temperatures ranging from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be detrimental. For enhanced flowering and growth, maintaining the environment at the ideal temperature range is crucial.
PruningPrune Peruvian Sage to encourage bushiness and to remove any spent flowers, which promotes continuous blooming. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove about one-third of the plant's height to keep it well-shaped and to rejuvenate its growth. Additionally, deadheading, or the removal of old blooms, can be done throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Salvia 'Peru Blue' is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH, ideally between pH 6.0 and 7.5. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat moss is suitable.
RepottingSalvia 'Peru Blue' should be repotted every 1 to 2 years into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix in the spring.
Humidity & MistingSalvia 'Peru Blue' prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is fairly adaptable. Aim for humidity levels between 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade with moist, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleSalvia 'Peru Blue', also known as Peruvian Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, often sown indoors in the early spring, which germinates in warm, moist soil. Once the seedlings emerge and grow to a sufficient size, they are transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. This perennial plant then enters a vegetative stage, producing a rosette of foliage and erect stems, with proper care it develops blue to purple flowers typically throughout summer and into autumn. After its blooming period, if the plant is located in a region with frost, it enters a dormant stage during the cold winter months, reducing its above-ground presence. In areas with milder climates, however, Peruvian Sage may retain its foliage year-round. The plant completes its life cycle by producing seeds, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall to the ground, potentially giving rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagating Salvia 'Peru Blue', also known as Peruvian Sage, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, one would cut a healthy stem of about 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) long, making sure that there are at least a couple of leaf nodes present. This cutting is then stripped of its lower leaves, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface where roots will form. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the pot should be placed in a warm spot with indirect light until the cutting has rooted, which can take a few weeks. Once roots have established, the new Salvia 'Peru Blue' can be transplanted to its desired location.
