Living Large® Big Sky Salvia

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Living Large® Big Sky Salvia (Salvia ‘Big Sky’) delivers tall, saturated violet-blue flower spikes later than many perennial salvias, extending early summer color in sunny gardens. Broad green leaves form a dense base that supports sturdy stems reaching about 28–32 inches tall and wide. The blooms rise cleanly above the foliage, creating strong vertical lines that show up well in borders and mass plantings. Compared to smaller meadow sages, this selection offers thicker stems, larger flower scapes, and a longer bloom window. We recommend it when you want a salvia that fills space quickly and doesn’t disappear among neighboring perennials.

Fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage make it attractive to pollinators yet unappealing to deer and rabbits. Heat and periodic drought rarely slow it down once roots are established. The habit is upright and clump-forming rather than sprawling, which keeps it useful in both structured and relaxed designs. Use it in pollinator gardens, mixed perennial borders, cottage plantings, or large patio containers. It also performs well in public landscapes where durability and repeat bloom are essential.

Living Large® Big Sky Salvia Care

Plant this salvia in full sun, providing at least six hours of direct light daily for strong stems and heavy bloom. It adapts to average garden soil, including sandy or clay loam, as long as drainage is good. A soil pH from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, roughly 6.0–7.5, is suitable. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. After establishment, irrigate only during extended dry periods; overly wet soil, especially in winter, can reduce longevity. Fertilizer is rarely required in average soil, but a modest application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can support vigorous growth in lean sites.

Remove spent flower spikes to encourage secondary branching and additional bloom. Light pinching in spring can promote a fuller plant. If stems become open or floppy after flowering, shear the plant back to the basal foliage to refresh growth. In colder climates, leave the foliage standing over winter and trim back in early spring when new growth appears.

Living Large® Big Sky Salvia Spacing

Space plants 28–32 inches apart in borders or mass plantings to allow airflow and full development. For large groupings, stagger plants rather than planting in straight rows for a more natural effect. In containers, use a pot at least 16–20 inches wide with well-drained potting mix. Combine with catmint, tickseed, or dianthus to create a layered, sun-loving display with extended seasonal interest.

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