Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)
Blue Sage is not quite native to Michigan but to the west. This attractive, late-season bloomer attracts long-tongued bees, who visit the flowers for nectar, especially bumblebees. Less often, butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, including the Silver-Spotted Skipper. 10 species of butterflies and moths may use it as a host plant (nwf.org). This plant has a tendency to flop over, especially in rich soils, so try growing it in a plant community with grasses to lean on. You can also pinch, stake, and/or provide sturdy neighboring plants to support this tall plant. Herbivores often avoid blue Sage (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Peganum
Blue Sage is not quite native to Michigan but to the west. This attractive, late-season bloomer attracts long-tongued bees, who visit the flowers for nectar, especially bumblebees. Less often, butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, including the Silver-Spotted Skipper. 10 species of butterflies and moths may use it as a host plant (nwf.org). This plant has a tendency to flop over, especially in rich soils, so try growing it in a plant community with grasses to lean on. You can also pinch, stake, and/or provide sturdy neighboring plants to support this tall plant. Herbivores often avoid blue Sage (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Peganum
Blue Sage is not quite native to Michigan but to the west. This attractive, late-season bloomer attracts long-tongued bees, who visit the flowers for nectar, especially bumblebees. Less often, butterflies and skippers may visit the flowers for nectar, including the Silver-Spotted Skipper. 10 species of butterflies and moths may use it as a host plant (nwf.org). This plant has a tendency to flop over, especially in rich soils, so try growing it in a plant community with grasses to lean on. You can also pinch, stake, and/or provide sturdy neighboring plants to support this tall plant. Herbivores often avoid blue Sage (illinoiswildflower.info).
Photo credit: Peganum
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium, Medium-dry, Dry
Height: 5 feet
Plant Spacing: 1.5-2 feet
Bloom Time: August-October
Bloom Color: Light Blue
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great Landscaping Plant
Host Plant: 10 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
