Salvia microphylla ‘Blue Monrovia’

Salvia microphylla ‘Blue Monrovia’

Bring long-lasting colour and pollinator activity to your garden with Salvia microphylla ‘Blue Monrovia’. This compact perennial sage produces a profusion of deep violet-blue flowers from late spring through to autumn, set against small aromatic leaves that release a pleasant fragrance when touched. Its extended season of interest and easy-going nature make it a superb choice for borders, wildlife gardens, and sunny pots. Bees and butterflies will flock to its nectar-rich blooms, ensuring your garden stays lively right into the cooler months.

‘Blue Monrovia’ thrives in free-draining soil and sunny positions, combining drought tolerance with reliable flowering. Its naturally bushy shape responds well to light trimming, which encourages repeat flushes of vibrant blooms.

Specifications:

• Height: 60–80cm

• Spread: 50–70cm

• Flowering: May to October

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, light to moderately fertile

• Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering; trim lightly after flowering flushes and cut back harder in early spring

🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting:

‘Blue Monrovia’ thrives in the island’s warm, coastal conditions and is well suited to gravel gardens, exposed borders, and containers. Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for areas with dry summers, though it appreciates some shelter from heavy winter wet.

🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range:

• • Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ – Airy, dancing flowers that extend the season and attract pollinators

• • Penstemon ‘Blackbird’ – Deep, velvety tones for contrast and late-summer continuity

• • Agastache ‘Apache Sunset’ – Warm coral spires to complement the blue-violet blooms

• • Stipa tenuissima ‘Ponytails’ – Feathery movement and texture to soften the salvia’s upright habit

• • Verbena bonariensis – Tall, airy stems that weave colour and pollinator appeal through the border

🌟 The Green Standard Tip:

Trim back lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage repeat blooming, and combine with grasses or long-flowering companions for a border that hums with life right into autumn.