Lawn Guardian

Salvia Care Guide

Salvia nemorosa

perennialZones 4–9deer resistant

Spiky purple-blue flower wands rising above aromatic foliage from late spring through fall. Drought tolerant and beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies.

At a glance

Season-by-season care

Spring

Cut back old growth Early spring

Remove last year's stems to make way for fresh basal growth.

Summer

Shear after first flush After first bloom wave

Cut back spent flower spikes by 1/3 after first bloom flush. This encourages strong reblooming in late summer.

Fall

Leave for winter interest Fall

Dried flower spikes provide winter structure. Leave standing until spring cleanup.

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Related plants

Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns