Introduction

Bog sage is an upright to spreading perennial that eventually attains a height of 3 to 4 feet (Figure 1). The coarse-textured leaves are light green to dark green in color depending on soil conditions and fertilization practices. Bog sage blooms throughout the spring and summer with electric blue flowers. This herbaceous perennial may be used as a ground cover or background plant. It presents a nice massed display and is exceptionally beautiful when planted along with ornamental grasses.

General Information

Scientific name: Salvia uliginosa

Pronunciation: SAL-vee-uh yoo-lidge-jin-NOE-suh

Common name(s): bog sage, bog salvia

Family: Labiatae

Plant type: herbaceous; ground cover

USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 10A (Figure 2)

Planting month for zone 8: year round

Planting month for zone 9: year round

Planting month for zone 10: year round

Origin: not native to North America

Uses: border; cut flowers; attracts butterflies; attracts hummingbirds; ground cover

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 2 to 4 feet

Spread: 4 to 8 feet

Plant habit: spreading

Plant density: dense

Growth rate: fast

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite

Leaf type: simple

Leaf margin: dentate

Leaf shape: oblong

Leaf venation: bowed; brachidodrome

Leaf type and persistence: evergreen

Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches

Leaf color: green

Fall color: no fall color change

Fall characteristic: not showy

Flower

Flower color: blue

Flower characteristic: spring flowering; summer flowering

Fruit

Fruit shape: no fruit

Fruit length: no fruit

Fruit cover: no fruit

Fruit color: not applicable

Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy

Trunk and Branches

Trunk/bark/branches: not applicable

Current year stem/twig color: brown

Current year stem/twig thickness: thin

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in full sun

Soil tolerances: acidic; sand; loam; clay; extended flooding

Drought tolerance: moderate

Soil salt tolerances: unknown

Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches

Other

Roots: not applicable

Winter interest: no special winter interest

Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding

Invasive potential: aggressive, spreading plant

Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant

Use and Management

The bog sage is an easy plant to grow, and it adapts to wet or dry conditions. It prefers an area in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade. This perennial can be invasive, especially in wet areas.

Propagate the bog sage by division, cuttings, or seed.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.