Plants that Work®

Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia

Name: Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 19974
Price: 31.64 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)

Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalsbu'

Compact Blue Salvias Plant with Reblooming Potential When Deadheaded for Extended Color
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue, Purple Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$31⁶⁴

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Deer-resistant, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Cold hardy, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalsbu'
Species	nemorosa
Cultivar	Florsalsbu
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia – Bold Color, Compact Size

Gorgeous blue mini-spires, the Sensation Sky Blue Salvia (Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalsbu') is a cool-hued beauty bred for impact and compactness. This perennial is also known as Meadow Sage, renowned for long-lasting blooms and pollinator appeal! Its soft sky-blue flower spikes appear from late spring to early summer, with the potential for a second flush if deadheaded.

Come bloom time, it sends up vertical stalks studded in masses of soft lavender-blue flowers, attracting hummingbirds and bees like magnets! When the flowers fade, the calyces still offer texture and color for weeks.

Its habit is neat and mounded, forming a dense clump of gray-green, wrinkled, long, and tapering leaves. Come fall, foliage may turn golden-green before going dormant—then back it comes in spring, bigger and better!

Key Features

Compact, dwarf Salvia with soft sky-blue flower spikes
Blooms in late spring; reblooms with deadheading
Stays under 12 inches tall and wide
Aromatic, textured foliage deters deer and rabbits
Cold-hardy and drought tolerant
Pollainator magnet!

Landscaping Uses

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia forms a tidy, upright clump, perfect for small-scale landscapes and containers. With its upright form, aromatic foliage, and tidy size, it's perfect for borders, rock gardens, or containers. This dwarf cultivar stays put at under 12-14 inches tall and wide, so there's no flopping or staking required.

Edging along sunny garden borders or walkways
Low-growing Pollinator Garden accents
Xeriscapes and perfect for Rock Gardens
Colorful front-of-border accents
Potted combinations on patios or balconies

Care and Maintenance

This herbaceous perennial dies back in winter and comes roaring back every spring with even more vigor. Sensation Sky Blue Salvia is as low-maintenance as they come.

Hailing from European meadows and woodlands, Salvia nemorosa and its cultivars, like Sensation Sky Blue, are members of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). This Salvia cousin thrives in USDA Zones 5-9 and is prized for its deer resistance, drought tolerance, and tidy growth. It also tolerates clay and urban soil conditions with minimal fuss!

Planting Time: Best in spring or early fall
Sun Needs: Full sun - needs 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day
Soil Needs: Well-drained; tolerant of clay, loam, and sand. Salvia dislikes soggy soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate to low once established
Arborist Mulch: A 3–4 inch layer of bark mulch or arborist chips helps retain moisture and control weeds, while compost enriches soil
Fertilization Needs: Light feeder; a spring dose of compost usually suffices
Pruning Info: Deadhead after first bloom to encourage reblooming; cut back hard in fall or early spring
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips:

Rabbit and deer-resistant
Disease and pest-resistant
Extremely cold hardy
Handles clay soil, pollution, heat, and humidity with ease

Division Info: Divide every 3–4 years in spring if needed

A Sky-High Performer in a Compact Package

The Sensation Sky Blue Salvia might be short in stature, but it delivers sky-high impact in the garden. From its fragrant foliage to its reblooming flowers and rugged adaptability, it's a must-have for pollinator lovers and tidy garden designers alike.

Buy now and Nature Hills will ship at the ideal planting time for your growing zone.

Other varieties

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Salvia yangii 'Denim 'n Lace'

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East Friesland Salvia
Salvia nemorosa 'Ostfriesland'

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Blue Marvel Salvia
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Little Spire Russian Sage
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Marcus Salvia
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Rose Marvel Salvia
Salvia nemorosa 'Rose Marvel'

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This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

Beautiful Plants

These plants arrived very well packaged. I ordered two. Planted them a few feet apart. One is thriving, the other one died out completely. However the one that's thriving is so gorgeous, I'm happy to order again.

East Friesland Salvia can be a bit site-sensitive, so it is worth noting that even small differences in drainage or sun exposure between two nearby spots can swing the outcome. We are sorry one of yours did not make it, and we would love to help you get another plant in the ground with confidence. Feel free to reach out to our support team and they can work through the details with you. Glad the surviving one is putting on a good show. -The Nature Hills Team

great

great plants

East Friesland Salvia is a reliable one, and it sounds like yours arrived in good shape. Enjoy the blooms. The bees and hummingbirds will find them fast. Thanks for the note, Gerald!

They are doing very well so far

They are doing very well so far.

East Friesland Salvia is a tough, rewarding plant once it settles in, so it's good to hear yours are off to a solid start. As the roots establish, you should see even more vigorous blooming. Thanks for the update, Rodger. The Nature Hills Team

Disappointing

Dependable

East Friesland salvia have been around for some time and they are very dependable bloomers. Mine do well every year!

Dear Lmm,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the East Friesland Salvia! We’re delighted to hear that these dependable bloomers continue to thrive in your garden year after year. Their vibrant blooms and resilience truly make them a gardener’s favorite. For continued success, remember they do best in full sun with well-drained soil and benefit from occasional deadheading to encourage even more vigorous flowering.

If you ever want tips on companion planting or seasonal care for your salvias, feel free to reach out—we’re always here to help your garden flourish!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Dependable

East Friesland salvia have been around for some time and they are very dependable bloomers. Mine do well every year!

Dear LMM,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the East Friesland Salvia! We’re delighted to hear that these dependable bloomers continue to thrive and bring beauty to your garden year after year. Their reliable nature makes them a favorite for many gardeners looking for consistent color and charm through the seasons.

If ever you’re interested in pairing your salvia with companion plants that complement their vibrant blooms or want tips on maximizing their bloom period, we’re always here to help. East Friesland Salvia thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight, so keeping those conditions in mind will keep your plants flourishing for many seasons to come.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

good exercise

gardening keeps me in shape, purple is my favorite color I tried salvas for the first time, alone with a few others. it was my favorite longest bloomer Im addicted Icant live without it.

Hi Keke,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the East Friesland Salvia! We're thrilled to hear that gardening not only keeps you in shape but also brings you so much joy—especially with those beautiful purple blooms. It’s fantastic that your first try with salvia turned into a new favorite addition that keeps blooming and keeps you hooked!

Since you love the long-blooming nature of salvia, you might also enjoy exploring other varieties with similar traits like the “Waverly” or “May Night'. Pairing salvias with complementary companions such as lavender or catmint can create a stunning, continuous burst of color throughout the season. For best results, make sure your salvia enjoys full sun and well-drained soil – it sounds like it's already doing wonderfully! If you ever need tips on extending bloom time or plant care, feel free to reach out.

Keep enjoying those gardening workouts and colorful moments!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

good exercise

gardening keeps me in shape, purple is my favorite color I tried salvas for the first time, alone with a few others. it was my favorite longest bloomer Im addicted Icant live without it.

Hello Keke,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the East Friesland Salvia! It’s fantastic to hear that gardening not only keeps you in shape but also brings you so much joy—especially with a favorite color like purple to brighten your space. Salvias are truly special with their long blooming season, and we’re thrilled that you’re enjoying them so much. Since you’re now 'addicted,' you might love experimenting with different salvia varieties and companion plants that can extend your garden’s beauty even further.

If you ever need tips on color combinations or care guides for your salvia and other blooms, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you nurture your garden and keep that passion blooming!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia a perennial or an annual?

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia is a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and returns each spring with increased vigor. This herbaceous perennial stays compact at under 12-14 inches tall and wide. Plant it once and enjoy years of sky-blue blooms from late spring through summer.

What are the sunlight requirements for Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia?

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions. This compact perennial needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce its best blooms from late spring through summer. Plant in sunny borders or rock gardens for optimal flowering performance.

Is Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia deer resistant or rabbit proof?

Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia's aromatic, textured foliage naturally deters both deer and rabbits. The fragrant leaves are typical of the mint family, making this compact perennial an excellent choice for areas with browsing pressure. Plant it confidently in borders or rock gardens where wildlife damage is a concern.

Can Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia be grown successfully in containers or pots?

Yes, Sensation Sky Blue Salvia thrives in containers with its compact 12-14 inch size and tidy, upright habit. Its dwarf nature requires no staking, making it ideal for pots on patios or balconies. Choose a container with drainage holes and place in full sun for best blooms.

What type of soil does Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia prefer?

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates poor, rocky conditions typical of its native European meadows. This drought-tolerant perennial actually performs better in average to lean soils rather than rich, fertile ground. Shop at Nature Hills for this adaptable 12-inch beauty that's perfect for rock gardens and xeriscapes.

How is Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia shipped—as bare roots, potted plants, or something else?

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia ships as potted plants, not bare root. This allows the compact perennial to establish quickly in your garden without transplant shock. Plant your potted salvia in spring after frost danger passes for best results.

Will Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia survive winter in my zone, or is it hardy?

Sensation Sky Blue Salvia is cold-hardy and returns reliably each spring as a perennial. This herbaceous plant dies back completely in winter but comes back with increased vigor the following season. Check your specific hardiness zone compatibility before planting to ensure successful overwintering.

What care is needed after blooming, like cutting back or dividing?

Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers in late summer. This herbaceous perennial dies back naturally in winter and returns with more vigor each spring. Cut back old foliage in late fall or early spring before new growth emerges.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Sensation® Sky Blue Salvia

Salvia nemorosa 'Florsalsbu'