Salvia Blue Butterflies | Sage

An eye-catching perennial with upright stems and striking cobalt-blue flowers, this plant adds strong vertical accents and long-lasting colour to summer displays. The blooms are held on slender spikes from June until the first frosts, with their extended lower petals giving the distinctive look of butterflies in flight. Light green, arrow-shaped foliage provides contrast and texture, while the flowers act as a magnet for bees and other pollinators.

Salvia sagittata ‘Blue Butterflies’ thrives in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil and is equally at home in borders or large containers. Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering, and a trim in late summer helps maintain a neat shape. In colder parts of the UK, protect roots with a mulch or fleece for winter survival.

This ornamental sage is less spreading than other species, so plants can be spaced at around 30cm (12in) apart, making it a good choice for smaller gardens where space is limited but vibrant colour and pollinator appeal are still desired.