Perennial of the Month-- August 2010 

(sal’ vee-ah) (pronunciation at link, turn up volume if too low)

Common name: Rhapsody in Blue garden/perennial sage

Family: Lamiaceae, Mint

Height x width: 18-24in. x 12-24in.

Growth rate, habit: moderate, upright clump

Foliage: gray-green, oblong, opposite and simple, up to 4in. long and half as wide, crenate margins, finely hairy leaf surfaces, sage-like fragrance when bruised, 

Flowers: blue-violet on branched flower spikes 5 to 7in. long,  above leaves, spring south to early summer north; 4 to 6 week bloom period; 

Hardiness: USDA zones (3)4-8

Soil: well drained

Light: full sun

Pests and problems: none significant

Landscape habit, uses: fronts of borders, containers, large rock gardens, cut flower; combines well with other salvia including the pink 'Eveline' which is quite similar in habit, bearded iris, perennial geraniums (especially pink or blue), coreopsis, variegated or blue-leaved sedges

Other interest: a hybrid from S. nemorosa 'Amethyst' from Piet Oudolf of Holland, USPP 15,148; noted for upright habit and many flower stalks; attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds but not to deer or rabbits

Other culture: may rebloom (less) if cut back after flowering, especially in warmer climates; cut back if leggy in part shade

Propagation: commercially from licensed propagators; at home, division in spring or cuttings after bloom

Sources:  many specialty perennial nurseries local and online