Oxford Blue Sage (Salvia viridis), also known as Clary Sage or Painted Sage, is a unique and vibrant ornamental herb that adds striking beauty to any garden. With its tall spires of vibrant, two-toned blue and purple flowers, this annual sage plant is perfect for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant’s aromatic foliage, coupled with its eye-catching blooms, makes it an excellent addition to herb gardens, flower borders, and containers. Known for its easy care and attractive, long-lasting flowers, Oxford Blue Sage thrives in both traditional and cottage-style gardens, as well as in naturalized landscapes. These flowers will provide a captivating show from summer to fall.

Key Features:

• 50 Premium Seeds: This packet contains 50 high-quality Oxford Blue Sage seeds, ensuring a plentiful harvest of beautiful flowers for your garden.
• Striking Two-Toned Flowers: The Oxford Blue Sage produces stunning spires of deep blue and purple flowers, creating a beautiful contrast in any garden.
• Aromatic Foliage: The plant’s aromatic sage leaves add fragrance to the garden, contributing to a sensory experience.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to support local wildlife and encourage biodiversity.
• Low-Maintenance: Oxford Blue Sage is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care, making it ideal for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a hassle-free garden addition.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Perfect for flower beds, borders, herb gardens, or containers. It can also be used in cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Oxford Blue Sage thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow tall and produce abundant blooms. Partial shade can be tolerated, but full sun ensures the best flowering performance.
• Soil Preferences: This plant prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil. It thrives in slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, so it performs best in light, sandy, or loamy soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds in seed-starting mix, pressing them lightly into the surface without covering them completely. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C). Germination typically takes 10-14 days.
  • Outdoor Planting: After the last frost date, plant seeds directly in the garden. Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth. Water gently after sowing to keep the soil moist until germination.
• Watering Needs: Oxford Blue Sage prefers moderately moist soil but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: This plant thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making it suitable for temperate to warmer climates. It may not survive in extreme frost conditions, so it’s often grown as an annual in colder zones.
• Fertilizing: While Oxford Blue Sage is not particularly heavy-feeding, a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote strong growth and blooming. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it may result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning and Care: Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the growing season. After flowering, cut back the plant to prevent self-seeding if desired, or leave the seedheads for winter interest and wildlife.

Benefits:

• Stunning Floral Display: Oxford Blue Sage's striking blue and purple flowers create an eye-catching show in any garden, making it a perfect focal point or accent plant.
• Aromatic Leaves: The plant’s aromatic foliage adds fragrance to the garden, enhancing the sensory experience. It also has culinary and medicinal uses, although it's primarily grown for ornamental purposes.
• Pollinator Attraction: The vibrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, helping to sustain biodiversity and support your local ecosystem.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, this plant requires little care. It is ideal for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a stunning yet low-maintenance addition to their garden.
• Versatile Garden Plant: Oxford Blue Sage is perfect for flower beds, herb gardens, or mixed borders. It also works well in containers and is a lovely addition to cut flower arrangements.
• Culinary and Medicinal Use: While the primary use is ornamental, Clary Sage (Salvia viridis) has culinary and medicinal applications in some cultures, especially in traditional herbal remedies and infusions.

Growing Zones:
Oxford Blue Sage is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, where it can thrive as an annual or a perennial, depending on the local climate. It prefers temperate climates but can be grown in warmer areas with proper care.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Pollinator Gardens: Plant Oxford Blue Sage in a pollinator-friendly garden alongside other nectar-rich plants like lavender, bee balm, and echinacea to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Flower Borders: Add Oxford Blue Sage to perennial flower borders for a stunning vertical accent with its tall flower spikes and vibrant colors.
• Herb Gardens: While it is grown primarily for ornamental purposes, Oxford Blue Sage can also be included in herb gardens due to its aromatic foliage.
• Containers: This sage variety is perfect for container gardening, especially when paired with other herbs or flowers. Its vibrant flowers will add a bold pop of color to patios, balconies, and porches.
• Cut Flower Gardens: Oxford Blue Sage is ideal for use in cut flower gardens. The flowers last well in bouquets and provide a beautiful contrast when mixed with other flowers.

Conclusion:
Oxford Blue Sage (Salvia viridis) is a stunning, low-maintenance addition to any garden, offering vibrant blue and purple flowers, aromatic foliage, and excellent pollinator support. Its ease of care, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in various soil conditions make it a versatile plant for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Whether planted in flower beds, borders, herb gardens, or containers, Oxford Blue Sage will create a captivating display of color and attract pollinators to your garden. With 50 seeds in this packet, you can grow your own beautiful sage flowers and enjoy their beauty throughout the growing season.