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Salvia - Gentian Sage 'Cambridge Blue'
Seed Packet

Salvia - Gentian Sage 'Cambridge Blue'

Salvia patens
Once listed in Sutton's 1934 catalog, this rarity has sky blue flowers in scattered pairs that bloom from midsummer until frost. The parrot beak shaped blooms are one of the largest flowers of the salvia clan and are best massed in borders for greater impact, where they make a lovely garden picture paired with green flowering tobacco and blue love-in-a-mist.
SKU #S406
$7.00
Currently Unavailable
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
10
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
8,
9
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
2' h  x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Luminous sky blue flowers arrayed on spikes
Features
Great for containers
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow or lightly cover.
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Starting Indoors:
Start in well-drained germinating mix 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
I can hardly imagine a garden without salvia, for the genus has so many irreplaceable floral gems–easy to grow, trouble-free, many quick to bloom, and growing lustily in gardens and containers. They offer a neverending parade of flowers ( at least until frost) and the entertainment of their attendant hummingbirds. Those pesky deer avoid it, perhaps stayed by the unpleasant aroma of the bruised leaves. Pinch back once plants reach 6" tall to encourage bushiness. The graceful stems of gentian sage are dotted with sky-blue lipped blooms mid-summer to fall. Add to the mixed border with other summer annuals. In fall its tuberose roots can be dug and stored like dahlias.
Final Spacing:
1-1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week.
Soil pH:
Not particular about pH
Fertilizer:
Do not overfertilize. Mix about 4" of compost into the soil prior to planting.
Diseases & Pests:
Prevent powdery mildew by spacing plants apart for increased air circulation. Aphids can be washed off leaves with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap applications.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Cut when several flowers on stem are open.