Description

This wonderful salvia hybrid is one of many introductions from Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita, CA. It is perhaps their most popular introduction, though that honor likely goes to Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP.’ The introductions from Las Pilitas have the advantage of having thrived in the rather difficult growing conditions of interior San Luis Obispo County where Las Pilitas is located. ‘Celestial Blue’ certainly is a hardy, adaptable salvia. It is often recommended for difficult sunny areas. ‘Celestial Blue’ grows as a rounded, upright shrub to three feet or so, with gray aromatic foliage similar to the mountain rose sage, Salvia pachyphylla, one of its parent plants. The blooms are a glowing violet, with enough dark tones to contrast sharply with the light gray foliage. Well-draining soil, full sun, and occasional water seem to provide ‘Celestial Blue’ sage with what it needs to thrive.