Blue Velvet Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Blue Velvet') | Shade-Tolerant Flowering Sage

Blue Velvet Sage

1 Gallon

$16.00

1/3

Blue Velvet Sage

Salvia microphylla 'Blue Velvet'

A shade-tolerant sage with large, deep velvety blue flowers and a long bloom season from spring through fall.

$16.00

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Salvia microphylla 'Blue Velvet' is a striking, evergreen perennial prized for its large, deep blue flowers, long bloom season, and exceptional shade tolerance. This vigorous cultivar forms a low, spreading, bushy mound of small, ovate, aromatic, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance when brushed. From late spring through fall, it produces an abundance of dark, upright stems bearing large, two-lipped, tubular flowers in a rich, deep, velvety blue, creating a stunning display. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as beneficial insects and wildlife. With excellent tolerance for partial to deep shade, heat, and drought once established, and its compact yet spreading habit, it is an outstanding choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting, containers, and as a ground cover in difficult shady spots.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, ovate, aromatic, dark green leaves; dark, upright stems bearing large, two-lipped, tubular, deep velvety blue flowers, blooming from late spring through fall .
Mature Height: 36-72 inches (3-6 ft)
Mature Spread: 36-72 inches (3-6 ft)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10 ; Sunset 7-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade (very shade tolerant; best flowering in part shade)
Core Benefits: Large deep velvety blue flowers, very long bloom season, exceptional shade tolerance, attracts hummingbirds and pollinators, drought tolerant once established.
Best Uses: Shaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting, containers, ground cover, pollinator gardens.

Q: How much shade can Blue Velvet Sage tolerate?
A: It is very shade tolerant and performs well from full sun to full shade. For the best flower production, plant in partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade). In deep shade, flowering may be reduced.

Q: How large does it get?
A: It is a fast-growing, spreading shrub, typically reaching 3-6 feet in both height and spread at maturity.

Q: How long does it bloom?
A: It has a very long bloom season, from late spring through fall, providing months of rich, deep blue color.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Yes, the large, tubular deep blue flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: The aromatic foliage is generally less palatable to deer, though no plant is completely deer-proof.