How to Grow Blue Splendor
Wikimedia Commons
Blue Splendor
Salvia splendens 'Blue Splendor'
flowerBlue Splendor is a vibrant cultivar of scarlet sage featuring stunning deep blue flower spikes that bloom profusely throughout the growing season. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual and is prized for its intense color, compact growth habit, and reliable performance in gardens and containers. The dense flower spikes attract hummingbirds and pollinators while providing long-lasting color from mid-summer through frost.
When should you plant Blue Splendor in your zone?
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Example Blue Splendor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Splendor
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Blue Splendor blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Splendor dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 true leaves develop slowly from seed. Plants remain compact with early leaf formation.
Keep soil moist and warm (70-75°F). Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksPlant establishes branching structure and bushy foliage with multiple stems. Leaves are medium green, lance-shaped, and aromatic when brushed.
Pinch growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching. Fertilize biweekly with balanced fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips, initially appearing as small green points that gradually enlarge and show blue coloring.
Continue regular fertilizing, switching to higher phosphorus formula to support flowering. Maintain consistent watering.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or until frost)Dense, upright flower spikes of vivid blue flowers open in succession from bottom to top. Flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators throughout the season.
Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Continue fertilizing every 2-3 weeks. Water during dry spells. Pinch lower flowers for continuous blooming.
Seed Production
4-6 weeksIf flowers are not deadheaded, small round seeds form inside spent flower bracts. Plant energy shifts to reproduction rather than continued flowering.
Leave some flowers to mature if seed collection is desired. Otherwise, continue deadheading to prolong bloom.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly. Introduce yellow sticky traps. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity and mist foliage. Use water spray to dislodge mites. Apply miticide or neem oil if severe.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply horticultural oil.
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Improve air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray. Remove affected foliage. Avoid overhead watering.
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply copper fungicide if needed. Ensure good drainage.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe bright blue flowers can garnish salads and desserts, adding visual appeal and a mild minty flavor. Use only pesticide-free flowers from ornamental plantings. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSalvia species have been used traditionally in herbal medicine for digestive support and throat health. Consult herbalists before use. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
HouseholdThe striking blue flower spikes are excellent for fresh floral arrangements, providing vibrant color and long vase life. Pair with yellows and whites for high contrast displays. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeBlue Splendor is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftFlower spikes can be dried for use in dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects while retaining their vibrant blue color. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Blue Splendor is ornamental and not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flower spikes at their base to encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant shape. Cut flower spikes for arrangements when flowers are opening along the spike. To save seeds, allow some flower spikes to mature, then dry and collect seeds once bracts turn brown.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Blue Splendor is one of the few truly blue-flowering Salvia cultivars; most salvias in cultivation are red, pink, or purple.
- 🌱 The plant's aromatic foliage releases a pleasant herbal scent when brushed, making it appealing to touch and smell.
- 🌱 Hummingbirds are strongly attracted to blue flowers, and Blue Splendor's vibrant spikes serve as a magnet for multiple hummingbird visits throughout the day.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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