LIFE CYCLE
Perennial
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Colorful flowering
GROWTH HABIT
Upright
BLOOM SEASON
Spring
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Mild aromatic
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open-pollinated seeds
PLANT TYPE
Annual flowering flax
PLANTING SEASON
Spring / Summer
FRUIT SIZE
N/A
PLANT HEIGHT
45–60 cm
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full Sun
WATER NEEDS
Low to Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
Annual (all regions)
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
30–35 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
0.5 cm
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well-drained soil
Frequently Asked Questions
The "Plant Type" field says "Annual flowering flax" — is that accurate for a Salvia?
The "Plant Type" field says "Annual flowering flax" — is that accurate for a Salvia?
No, that's clearly a data error; this is a Salvia (sage) species, not flax, so that field appears to be mismatched from another product.
Why is this plant naturally so drought-tolerant?
Why is this plant naturally so drought-tolerant?
It's native to Morocco and the wider Mediterranean region, so it's adapted to hot, dry summers and thrives with minimal supplemental water once established.
Is this related to the sage used in cooking?
Is this related to the sage used in cooking?
No, this is an ornamental flowering salvia grown for its blue-violet spikes, distinct from Salvia officinalis, the species used as a culinary herb.
What does "Mild aromatic" mean for this plant, since it's not used in cooking?
What does "Mild aromatic" mean for this plant, since it's not used in cooking?
It refers to the plant's scented foliage, a common trait across the Salvia genus, rather than any culinary or flavoring use.
Why are salvias generally such good pollinator plants?
Why are salvias generally such good pollinator plants?
Their tubular flower shape is well suited to bee tongues, making Salvia species reliable favorites for bees specifically, in addition to other pollinators.
Why does removing spent flower spikes encourage more blooms?
Why does removing spent flower spikes encourage more blooms?
Deadheading redirects the plant's energy away from seed production and into producing new flowering spikes, extending the overall bloom period.