What hardiness zones is Salvia nemorosa suitable for?

Salvia nemorosa is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Salvia nemorosa?

Salvia nemorosa requires Full Sun.

How much water does Salvia nemorosa need?

Salvia nemorosa has Very Low water needs.

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Perennials

Salvia nemorosa

Woodland Sage

Lamiaceae

Central and eastern Europe and western Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Width18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming perennial reaching 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Stems erect, square, branching from the base. Leaves opposite, lance-shaped to ovate, 1.5–3 inches (4–7.5 cm) long, medium green, rugose, with a finely scalloped margin and a slightly aromatic quality when bruised. Flower spikes terminal and axillary, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, densely packed with small two-lipped flowers 0.4–0.6 inch (1–1.5 cm) long in violet-blue to blue-purple with persistent violet-purple bracts that remain ornamental after flowers fade, extending the display by 2–3 weeks. Blooms heavily in late spring to early summer; shearing after the first flush encourages a strong second flush in late summer. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. One of the most reliable and widely planted perennial sages.

Native Range

Salvia nemorosa is native to central and eastern Europe and western Asia — from Germany and Austria eastward through the Balkans, Russia, and into the Caucasus — growing in dry meadows, grasslands, and open rocky slopes.

Suggested Uses

Used in mixed perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The dense violet-blue spikes are classic partners for yellow-flowered perennials such as Achillea, Rudbeckia, and roses. Mass plantings are highly effective. Well-suited to xeriscape and dry garden designs. An excellent pollinator plant attracting bees and butterflies.

How to Identify

Identified by erect square stems, opposite lance-ovate rugose leaves, and densely packed flower spikes with small two-lipped violet-blue flowers and persistent violet-purple bracts. Distinguished from Salvia officinalis (culinary sage) by lack of woody basal stems and smaller, more densely packed flower spikes. Distinguished from S. guaranitica by much smaller stature, smaller individual flowers, and cool-temperate hardiness. The persistent bracts that remain after flowers fade and continue the color display are a characteristic feature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

violet

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

SpringSummerFall

Primary bloom from late May through June; shearing plants by one-half immediately after the first flush typically produces a second flush of bloom in August through September. Without shearing, plants may rebloom intermittently but less vigorously. The persistent violet-purple bracts on spent spikes continue to provide ornamental color for 2–3 weeks after individual flowers fade, substantially extending the effective display period.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Violet-blue to blue-purple with persistent violet-purple bracts

Foliage Description

Medium green, lance-ovate, rugose, slightly aromatic

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry, poor soils once established; declines in heavy clay or wet conditions. Space plants 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Shear back by one-half immediately after the first flush of bloom in late June to July — this is the most important maintenance step and reliably triggers a strong second flush in August through September. Water during establishment; once established, very drought tolerant. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor. Excellent deer and rabbit resistance.

Pruning

Shear by one-half immediately after the first flush of bloom (late June to July) to trigger a reliable second flush in late summer. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late fall or early spring. Do not cut into old woody stems if present. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic