Oxford Blue Sage (Salvia viridis ‘Oxford Blue’) is a vibrant clary sage variety prized for its brilliant blue-purple bracts and aromatic foliage. Its upright habit and long-lasting color make it ideal for pollinator gardens, mixed borders, and ornamental planting.

Fast-growing and low-maintenance, this variety attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects while thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for flower beds, containers, and dried floral arrangements, Oxford Blue Sage offers both beauty and functionality in your garden.

Features

• Premium Non-GMO Salvia viridis Oxford Blue seeds
• Produces striking blue-purple bracts and delicate flowers
• Aromatic foliage attracts pollinators
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Fast-growing annual ideal for containers and garden beds
• Excellent for cut flowers and dried arrangements
• Low-maintenance and easy to grow

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Salvia viridis
• Common Name (US): Oxford Blue Clary Sage
• Plant Type: Annual herb
• Flower Color: Blue-purple bracts with small white blooms
• Foliage: Green, aromatic, textured leaves
• Height: 18–24 inches (45–60 cm)
• Spread: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
• Bloom Season: Late spring – early fall
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Watering Needs: Moderate; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Temperature Range: 60–85 °F (15–29 °C)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–11 (grown as annual in most regions)
• Days to Germination: 10–20 days
• Seed Depth: ¼ inch (0.6 cm)
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 in (30–45 cm)
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Maintenance Level: Easy
• Uses: Pollinator gardens, borders, cut flowers, dried arrangements, containers

Planting Guide

• When to Sow: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed.
• Seed Depth: Lightly press seeds on soil surface; do not cover deeply.
• Germination: Maintain 65–75 °F (18–24 °C); expect sprouting in 10–20 days.
• Light: Full sun for strong stems and vivid color.
• Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during germination; reduce after establishment.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors once plants are sturdy and frost risk is gone.
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooms.