Salvia patens

Sunset

Zones 9, 14-24, 26, 28, 29, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Gentian Sage
Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Perennials

SALVIA

All sages have square stems and whorls of two-lipped flowers, either distinctly spaced along flower stalks or so tightly crowded that they look like one dense spike; some species have branched inflorescences. Flower colors range from white and yellow through salmon and pink to scarlet and pure red, from pale lavender to true blue and darkest purple. A few sages have fragrant blossoms. Many have aromatic foliage. Sages attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies.

Salvia patens

Upright to 2–3 ft. or taller, 1–2 ft.wide. Spreads slowly by tuberous roots. Arrow-shaped, toothed, softly hairy leaves are bright green, 2–4 in. long. Pairs of brilliant blue, 2-in. blossoms on 6– 15-in.-long stems; upper lip is hooded, lower one flared and ruffled. Bloom peaks in early summer but repeats through fall if plant is fertilized and deadheaded. Best in mixed plantings; not showy enough for bedding.