Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Hill'
blue hill meadow sage
Garden selection; species native to Europe and western Asia
Overview
Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Hill' (syn. 'Blauhügel') is a meadow sage selected for its true medium blue flower color, growing 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) tall and wide. Dense terminal spikes of true blue flowers with green calyces appear from June through July, with a strong fall rebloom in September after shearing. The color distinction of 'Blue Hill' is significant: most S. nemorosa cultivars bloom in violet-purple tones (like 'Caradonna' and 'East Friesland'), while 'Blue Hill' produces a genuine medium blue, the closest to true blue in the species. The green calyces (not dark purple) contribute to the cleaner blue effect; dark calyces would shift the visual impression toward purple. Cutting back by one-half to two-thirds after the June-July bloom promotes a reliable September rebloom. Medium green lance-shaped textured aromatic leaves on square stems. Lean well-drained soil in full sun is essential. In wet or rich conditions, the plant flops. Deer avoid the aromatic foliage. Pairs with yellow and orange companions for blue-and-gold combinations.
Native Range
The species Salvia nemorosa is native to Europe and western Asia. 'Blue Hill' (syn. 'Blauhügel') is a German garden selection for true blue flower color.Suggested Uses
Used in perennial borders, mass plantings, and pollinator gardens. The true blue color pairs with yellow (Coreopsis spp., Rudbeckia spp.) for blue-and-gold combinations. 'Blue Hill' is the meadow sage choice when true blue is needed; 'Caradonna' or 'East Friesland' suit violet-purple plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
True medium blue; in dense terminal spikes with green calycesFoliage Description
Medium green; lance-shaped; textured; aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Sited in full sun with at least 6 hours. Lean well-drained soil. Heavy fertilization is not used. Cut back by one-half to two-thirds after the June-July bloom to promote fall rebloom. Divided every 3-4 years.Pruning
Cut back by one-half to two-thirds after the main bloom. This is the central maintenance task for meadow sage; it promotes fall rebloom and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons