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Description
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill, also called Meadow Sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant with a bushy habit. It belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it blooms from June to September with showy violet-blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Sylvestris |
Appearance
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill has green, lance-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy and aromatic when crushed. Its flowers are arranged in spikes that can reach up to 12 inches long, and each spike can have up to 50 flowers. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and about 1 inch long. They have a violet-blue color with a white lower lip and a dark blue upper lip. The plant blooms profusely and can produce up to 20 spikes per plant.
Care Guide
Water
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill prefers well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate drought once established, but it needs regular watering during hot and dry periods.
Fertilization
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill is not a heavy feeder, but it benefits from a balanced fertilizer applied in early spring. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Soil
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are not waterlogged.
Sunlight
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as profusely in shady locations.
Hardiness Zones
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew in humid conditions. To prevent and control pest and disease problems, avoid overhead watering, maintain good air circulation, and remove infected plant parts.
Habitat
Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill is found in meadows, pastures, and open woodland areas in its native range. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill deer resistant?
A: Yes, Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill is deer resistant due to its aromatic foliage.
Q: How do I deadhead Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill?
A: Deadhead Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill by cutting back the spent flower spikes to the first set of leaves below the flowers. This will promote new growth and reblooming.
Q: Can I grow Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill in a container?
A: Yes, Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and the soil is well-drained.
Q: How do I propagate Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill?
A: Salvia Sylvestris Blue Hill can be propagated by division or stem cuttings taken in early summer. Division is best done in spring or fall, while stem cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining soil mix under a plastic cover.
Related Plants
- Salvia nemorosa
- Salvia x sylvestris
- Salvia officinalis
- Salvia divinorum
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/salvia-sylvestris-blue-hill-meadow-sage
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278681&isprofile=0&
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/salvia/
