Big Blue Mexican Sage
Salvia mexicana
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Salvia mexicana, the big blue Mexican sage, is a tall, dramatic perennial grown for deep, saturated blue-violet flowers that arrive when the gardening year is winding down. The tubular blooms, set in contrasting calyces, are carried in long spikes above bold, heart-shaped leaves, and few plants bring so pure and deep a blue to the autumn garden.
Native to the highlands of Mexico, the big blue Mexican sage is a large plant, reaching eight to ten feet in a long season and spreading into a broad, shrubby clump, so the sage belongs at the back of a big border where the height can work. The whole is aromatic in the way of the genus, and the late timing makes the plant a valuable close to the season.
The deep blue tubular flowers are built for hummingbirds, which work the spikes heavily as they fuel for migration, along with bees and butterflies drawn to the late nectar. Deer tend to pass the aromatic foliage by.
Site Salvia mexicana in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil or sandy loam, at the back of a large border, in a subtropical planting, or as a bold late-season specimen, and let the deep blue play against the golds and oranges of fall. In zone 9 grow the plant as a seasonal highlight; in zone 8 mulch the roots for winter, and expect the sage to return from the root in spring. Cut the old growth down in late winter.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 8–10 Feet · Spread 5–7 Feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Deep blue-violet tubular flowers in long spikes over heart-shaped leaves, in fall; a hummingbird magnet.
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.