East Friesland Meadow Sage

Tall, vibrant spikes of intense violet-blue flowers on erect purple stems emerge above the compact, shrub-like clump of dense, fragrant, gray-green foliage. A great deer and rabbit-resistant choice for infusing borders and containers with stunning color. An herbaceous perennial. Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers moist, gravelly or sandy soils with good drainage, but tolerates drought. Plants may repeat bloom throughout the summer but need regular moisture and deaheading to encourage this. Remove spent flower spikes to help extend the bloom period. Plants may become floppy and open up as the summer progresses, particularly in humid climates. If plants flop or otherwise depreciate in summer to the point where they look unsightly, consider cutting them back to the basal foliage. In any event, cut plants back after flowering has concluded.

Hardiness Zone
Zones 4-8

Water Needs
Dry to Moderate

Sun Needs
Full Sun

Soil Needs
Tolerates poor soil

Appearance and Characteristics

Category
Perennial

Flower Color
Violet purple

Foliage Color
Grey-green shades

Blooming Time
May to August

Height
12-18 Inches

Spread
9-12 Inches

Plant Uses & Characteristics
Showy flowers
Low maintenance
Good flowers for cutting
Works for borders, rock gardens
Rabbit resistance
Tolerates drought and dry soil
Deer resistant
Attracts butterflies

Read Sue Adams’ Tips for Perennials HERE