Mesa Azure Mexican Sage

Mesa Azure Mexican Sage (Salvia greggii 'Mesa Azure') is a compact flowering shrub that stays near 60cm high and 50cm wide while covering itself in soft purple blue flowers. In milder climates it blooms for most of the year. In the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney's 2019 plant trials it took the heat and humidity and kept right on flowering.

Why you'll love it

• Months of colour. Small soft purple blue flowers, each with a broad lower lip, appear for most of the year in mild climates.
• Proven in heat and humidity. It was a 2019 trial winner in Sydney, where it showed good pest and disease resistance and flowered through summer.
• Small enough for pots. At 60cm by 50cm it suits a tub, a patio planter or the front of a flowering border.
• Low water needs. Heat and drought tolerant once it has settled in, so it keeps going through dry spells.
• Easy to renew. A clip once or twice a year after a big flush brings it into bloom again.

Where it works best

Borders and cottage gardens. Plant 50cm apart so the compact mounds touch and form a flowing band of blue. It sits well in front of taller perennials and grasses.

Pots and tubs. One plant suits a pot about 30cm across. Use a free draining potting mix and keep it in the sun.

Wildlife gardens. The nectar rich flowers draw bees and butterflies to a sunny bed.

Growing Mesa Azure Mexican Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the most flowers in sun. It copes with heat and humidity, and established plants tolerate an overnight frost. In frost prone districts, protect it from hard frost and mulch over winter to keep the soil warm. It suits subtropical gardens through to the temperate south.

Soil. Light, free draining soil suits it. In heavy ground, lift the planting on a mound or use a pot with good potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then it needs little. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and give it a seaweed tonic in summer heat.

Pruning. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. A trim once or twice a year after a big flush keeps it compact.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mesa Azure Mexican Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a larger border where you want many plants, while the 140mm pots give a more established start. Plant out promptly, water in well and keep the root zone moist while it settles.

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 the full salvia range
• Plants for pots and containers
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

How long does it flower?

In mild climates it flowers for most of the year, with the heaviest flush in the warmer months. A trim after each flush encourages the next.

Will it cope with humid summers?

Yes. It was trialled in Sydney, where it took the heat and humidity and kept flowering.

Can I keep it in a pot?

Yes, it is compact enough for a large pot or tub. Choose a sunny spot, use a free draining mix and water when the top of the mix dries.