Perennials

Salvia nemorosa 'Blue By You'

Blue By You woodland sage

Lamiaceae

Central and eastern Europe and western Asia (cultivar of garden origin)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height12–16 inches (30–40 cm)
Width14–18 inches (35–45 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 compact clump-forming perennial reaching 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) tall and 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) wide. Blue By You is a compact Salvia nemorosa cultivar producing dense upright flower spikes 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) long of small two-lipped flowers in bright medium blue with blue-violet bracts that persist and remain ornamental after flowers fade. Slightly more compact than the straight species, making it effective at the front of borders and in smaller gardens. Leaves opposite, lance-ovate, rugose, medium green, slightly aromatic. Blooms heavily in late spring to early summer; shearing after the first flush produces a reliable second flush in late summer. Hardy in USDA zones 4–8.

Native Range

Salvia nemorosa is native to central and eastern Europe and western Asia. Blue By You is a cultivar of garden origin.

Suggested Uses

Used at the front of perennial borders and in pollinator plantings at 14–18 inch (35–45 cm) spacing. The compact size makes it well-suited to smaller gardens and containers of 3+ gallons (11+ L). Classic partner for yellow and orange perennials such as Achillea, Coreopsis, and ornamental grasses.

How to Identify

Identified as Salvia nemorosa by square stems, opposite rugose lance-ovate leaves, and dense upright flower spikes with persistent bracts. Blue By You distinguished from other cultivars by compact habit (12–16 inches / 30–40 cm) and bright medium blue flower color. Distinguished from May Night by lighter blue rather than deep indigo-violet flowers and more compact stature; from Caradonna by green rather than dark purple-black stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'4"
Width/Spread1'2" - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue
violet

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SpringSummerFall
Primary bloom from late May through June; shearing by one-half after the first flush produces a strong second flush in August through September. The persistent blue-violet bracts remain ornamental for 2–3 weeks after individual flowers fade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright medium blue with blue-violet persistent 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. Space plants 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) apart. Shear back by one-half immediately after the first flush in late June to July to trigger a second flush in late summer. Water during establishment; once established, very drought tolerant. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring. Excellent deer and rabbit resistance.

Pruning

Shear by one-half after the first flush (late June to July) for reliable rebloom in late summer. Cut to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in late fall or early spring.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic