Marine Blue Salvia

Marine Blue Salvia (Salvia 'Marine Blue', also sold as Indigo Blue) is a low, wide, shrubby perennial about 60cm high and 60cm across. Woolly sage leaves carry deep, vivid blue flowers through the warmer months, and all year in frost free gardens. True blue is rare in the garden, and this is one of the easier ways to get it.

Why you'll love it

• True, deep blue. Few flowers produce a blue this vivid, and it stands out against grey foliage, white daisies and pink roses.
• Flowers all year in mild gardens. Where there is no frost it keeps its leaves and flowers through the whole year, rather than just in summer.
• Drought tolerant. Once full grown it should survive on rainfall alone in coastal gardens, with irrigation only in the driest inland sites.
• Low and wide. It clumps up into a low, wide shrub that fills the front of a bed and covers the soil beneath it.
• Good for beneficial insects. The blue flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, so it earns its place beside vegetables and herbs.

Where it works best

Borders and edging. Plant 60cm apart along the front of a bed. The plants join into a continuous low mass of blue within a season or two.

Cottage and wildlife gardens. The woolly leaves and blue flowers sit well with roses, lavender and daisies, and the insects it attracts keep the garden working.

Kitchen gardens. A few plants at the end of a vegetable bed bring bees to the crops and add a splash of colour.

Growing Marine Blue Salvia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It stays evergreen and flowers all year in frost free gardens, so it suits the subtropics, the warm temperate coast and Mediterranean climates best. Protect it from frost, and in colder districts grow it in a sheltered spot.

Soil. Rich soil suits it, so add compost when planting and mulch afterwards.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks, then water only in very dry periods. Feed in spring with a slow release fertiliser, and give it a seaweed boost during the summer heat.

Pruning. Clip over after flowering to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowers. Take off only the spent stems and keep the compact shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Marine Blue Salvia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants travel upright and settle fast. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and mulch the soil. Expect a small plant to clump up into a low, wide shrub over its first season.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our salvia range
• More drought tolerant plants
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• How to create a cottage garden

Common questions

Is Marine Blue the same as Indigo Blue?

Yes. It is sold under both names, and the plant is the same low, wide perennial with woolly leaves and deep blue flowers.

Will it survive a frost?

It needs protection from frost. In frost free gardens it stays evergreen and flowers all year, while in colder places it needs a sheltered position.

How much water does it need?

Regular water for the first 12 weeks or so. Once full grown it should survive on rainfall alone in coastal gardens, and needs irrigation only in the driest inland sites.