Salvia 'Blue Queen'

Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Queen': Crown of Colour

Rich violet-blue spires rise in regal succession on Salvia 'Blue Queen', a long-blooming favourite for sunny borders and pollinator gardens. This compact selection of meadow sage forms tidy mounds of textured green foliage, with sturdy stems that hold their blooms upright even in summer winds. Flowering from early summer into late summer with light deadheading, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while offering drought tolerance and vibrant, repeat colour.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Early to late summer
• Foliage: Narrow, aromatic green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Blue Queen' excels in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance pollinator plantings. Its extended bloom time and strong colour provide rhythm and structure to mixed plantings. Loved by pollinators and avoided by deer, it's a go-to perennial for adding long-lasting vibrancy to dry, sunny sites. Shearing after the first flush encourages a fresh second bloom in late summer.

Companion Plants: Pair with the upright, fine foliage of Schizachyrium scoparium, the soft lavender blooms of Aster 'Wood's Purple', and the sunny golden tones of Coreopsis 'Early Sunrise' for a long-season planting rich in colour contrast, texture, and wildlife appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then only during extended drought. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom and shear lightly after the first flush. In early spring, cut back last year’s stems to the base to encourage healthy new growth.

History: A reliable cultivar of Salvia nemorosa, 'Blue Queen' has been a staple in European and North American perennial gardens for decades, admired for its saturated colour, long bloom window, and compact habit.

Final Thoughts: Bold yet balanced, Salvia 'Blue Queen' reigns in the summer garden with enduring colour, pollinator appeal, and effortless charm—proof that even royalty can be low maintenance.