Noble Knight Meadow Sage

Salvia nemorosa 'Noble Knight'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 3-9, tolerates heat, drought, and a wide range of soil conditions once established
Deep purple-blue flower spikes bloom from late spring through early fall, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
Compact, clump-forming habit grows just 8-10 inches tall, making it ideal for borders, containers, and front-of-garden placements
Deer resistant and low maintenance with aromatic, gray-green foliage that adds interest even when not in bloom

$26¹⁴

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Noble Knight Meadow Sage performs best with at least six hours of direct sun each day. It tolerates partial shade but expect fewer flower spikes and a slightly looser growth habit in lower light.

Soil: Plant in average, well-drained soil. This sage is quite adaptable and tolerates sandy, rocky, and even dry soils without complaint. In heavy clay, amend with coarse sand or compost to improve drainage, as sitting in wet soil through winter is the main cause of decline.

Watering Requirements

Water thoroughly after planting and then once or twice per week during the first growing season while the root system establishes. Once settled in, Noble Knight Meadow Sage is quite drought tolerant and typically only needs water during extended dry spells. Consistently waterlogged soil will lead to root and crown rot, so good drainage is more important than frequent watering.

Pruning Tips

Noble Knight is largely self-cleaning, but deadheading spent flower spikes encourages a second and even third flush of blooms through the season. Cut spent spikes back to the next set of leaves or down to the basal foliage once flowers fade. In early spring before new growth emerges, shear the plant back to 2-3 inches to keep it tidy and encourage fresh, vigorous stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Noble Knight Meadow Sage is a light feeder and does not need heavy fertilization. A single application of a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring is all it typically needs for the season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which push lush leafy growth at the expense of the flower spikes you are growing this plant for.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Flowering, Reblooming, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Purple
Fragrant	Yes
Botanical Name	Salvia nemorosa 'Noble Knight'
Species	nemorosa
Cultivar	Noble Knight
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Bold Color on a Compact Frame

Salvia nemorosa 'Noble Knight' is the kind of perennial that earns its keep from the moment it opens its first deep purple-blue flower spike in late spring. Part of the Sensation Series of compact meadow sages, Noble Knight lives up to its regal name with densely packed spikes of indigo-purple blooms held upright on dark stems above a tidy mound of fragrant, gray-green foliage. Unlike some of the taller meadow sages that can flop without support, Noble Knight stays neatly upright at just 8-10 inches tall, which makes it incredibly versatile in the landscape.

A Pollinator Magnet That Keeps Going

From the moment buds open in late spring, Noble Knight Meadow Sage becomes a landing zone for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular flower structure is perfectly suited to feeding long-tongued pollinators, and the long bloom window, which stretches from late spring well into early fall with regular deadheading, means the buffet stays open for most of the growing season. Because the foliage carries that characteristic sage fragrance, deer tend to walk right past it, which makes Noble Knight a reliable choice in gardens where deer pressure is a real concern.

Where It Shines in the Landscape

Noble Knight is one of those plants that plays well with almost everything. Its vertical spikes create natural contrast alongside mounding plants like catmint, coreopsis, and low-growing roses. Try it in drifts along a sunny border edge, tucked into a cottage garden between pastel blooms, or planted in containers where its compact size and long season of color make it a standout. It also holds up well in cut flower arrangements, and the spent stems have enough visual interest to leave standing through early winter for light structure in the garden.

A Hardy Perennial Built for the Long Haul

One of Noble Knight's most impressive qualities is its cold hardiness. Hardy from zones 3 through 9, it handles both frigid winters and summer heat without missing a beat. As an herbaceous perennial, it dies back to the crown each fall and returns reliably from the base each spring. The crown can be subtle in early spring, so mark its location in fall to avoid accidentally digging into it during early-season garden cleanup. With minimal care and a sunny spot, Noble Knight Meadow Sage delivers consistent color, wildlife value, and garden structure year after year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Noble Knight Meadow Sage suitable for?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it exceptionally hardy for both cold winters and hot summers. This wide range means it works reliably across most of the continental United States. Plant it in full sun for best performance.

How tall and wide will Noble Knight Meadow Sage grow at maturity?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage reaches 8-10 inches tall and spreads to about 12-15 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for front borders, containers, or tight spaces where taller sages would overwhelm. Shop at Nature Hills for this well-behaved perennial that won't need staking.

How often should I water Noble Knight Meadow Sage after planting?

Water newly planted Noble Knight daily for the first week, then reduce to every 2-3 days for the next month. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) establishes quickly with consistent moisture. Once established, it's quite drought tolerant and only needs watering during extended dry spells.

Is Noble Knight Meadow Sage considered a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage establishes at a moderate pace, typically reaching its mature 8-10 inch height by its second season. Like most salvias, it focuses energy on developing a strong root system the first year before hitting full bloom potential. Plant in spring for best establishment and expect reliable performance from zones 3-9.

When does Noble Knight Meadow Sage bloom and what color are the flowers?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage produces deep purple-blue flower spikes from late spring through early fall. The indigo-purple blooms are densely packed on upright stems and attract pollinators throughout the extended season. Regular deadheading keeps the show going strong. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact performer.

Is Noble Knight Meadow Sage deer resistant?

Yes, Noble Knight Meadow Sage is deer resistant due to its fragrant foliage that carries the characteristic sage scent. Deer typically avoid this plant, making it a reliable choice for gardens with heavy deer pressure. Plant it confidently in exposed areas where deer browsing is a concern.

Does Noble Knight Meadow Sage require regular pruning or deadheading?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage benefits from regular deadheading to extend its bloom period from late spring into early fall. The spent flower spikes can be cut back after blooming to encourage repeat flowering. Leave the final flush of stems standing through winter for structure, then cut back in early spring.

Can Noble Knight Meadow Sage be grown successfully in containers or pots?

Noble Knight Meadow Sage thrives in containers thanks to its compact 8-10 inch height and long bloom season from late spring through early fall. Its upright growth habit means no staking required, and it's hardy in zones 3-9. Choose a pot with good drainage and deadhead regularly to keep the purple-blue spikes coming all season.

Noble Knight Meadow Sage

Salvia nemorosa 'Noble Knight'