Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage

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1 gallon

$55.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage produces vivid blue-violet flower spikes above aromatic green foliage, adding upright color and texture to sunny gardens. This compact, strongly branched perennial blooms early and can rebloom throughout summer, attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators. Its tidy habit and reliable garden performance make it a colorful addition to borders, containers, and mass plantings.

Botanical name: Salvia nemorosa ‘Apex Blue’
Bloom time: Late spring through summer, with repeat flowering
Herbaceous perennial
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sunlight. Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowers and sturdy, compact growth.

WATER
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel slightly dry. Once established, water during prolonged hot or dry periods; frequency varies with climate, rainfall, soil drainage, and container conditions.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Hardy in USDA Grow Zones 4–9. Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage performs well in climates with cold winters and warm summers, including areas with summer heat and humidity. It prefers full sun, good air circulation, and well-drained soil.

This plant is grown in Monrovia’s SUPERONE™ container, a true 1-gallon pot that provides more root volume and supports more top growth than the nursery industry’s standard “1-gallon” (#1) container, which typically holds only about 3 quarts.

Because nursery pot sizes are trade designations rather than exact measurements, two plants labeled “1 gallon” may arrive in noticeably different containers. SUPERONE™ plants are larger and more established, which is reflected in their price.

Please note: If your order includes both SUPERONE™ and standard #1 plants, the containers may differ in size even though both products are listed in the 1-gallon category. This is expected and does not mean the smaller plant was sent in the wrong size.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage, scientifically known as Salvia nemorosa ‘Apex Blue’, is a captivating perennial that brings vibrant blue-violet flower spikes to gardens and landscapes. This compact flowering salvia attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while offering an upright, strongly branched growth habit. With early blooms and reliable reblooming throughout summer, Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage is an excellent choice for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, mass plantings, and containers.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Reaches approximately 12–18 inches tall and 14–18 inches wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water newly planted Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage deeply about once or twice per week during its first growing season, adjusting for rainfall and local conditions. Allow the upper 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Once established, meadow sage is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended hot or dry periods. Watering frequency varies according to USDA Grow Zone, local climate, rainfall, temperature, soil type, drainage, and whether the plant is grown in the ground or a container.

Plant Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun produces the strongest flower display and most compact habit, although light afternoon shade may be beneficial in exceptionally hot climates.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Remove old stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. After the first major flush of blue-violet flowers, remove spent flower spikes or shear the plant back by approximately one-third to maintain a tidy shape and encourage reblooming throughout summer.

FERTILIZING
Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage generally requires minimal fertilizer and may develop weak, floppy growth in overly rich soil. Apply a light layer of compost or a small amount of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring only if the soil is nutrient-poor or the plant shows weak growth. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION
Established Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage usually requires little winter protection in USDA Zones 4–9. Leave some top growth in place through winter, then cut it back before new spring growth emerges. In colder areas, apply a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes, keeping it away from the crown to prevent excessive moisture and rot. Protect container-grown plants from repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles because their roots are more exposed.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Select a sunny location with average, well-drained soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than its height. Remove the Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage from its container, gently loosen circling roots, and position the crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with the original soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the root zone. Space plants approximately 14–18 inches apart to accommodate their mature width and support healthy air circulation. Keep the soil moderately moist during establishment, but avoid standing water or persistently soggy conditions.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 4-9

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage grows as a hardy herbaceous perennial in USDA Zones 4 through 9. It tolerates cold winters as well as summer heat and humidity once established. Full sun promotes abundant blooms and sturdy, compact growth throughout its range. In the hottest climates, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress, but well-drained soil remains essential in every grow zone.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage get?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage generally reaches 12–18 inches tall and 14–18 inches wide at maturity. Its compact, upright habit fits easily into perennial borders, small gardens, and patio containers.

How fast does Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage grow?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage has a moderate growth rate and is capable of flowering during its first growing season. Its growth rate varies with planting time, climate, sunlight, soil conditions, and available moisture.

Where is the best place to plant Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage?

Plant Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage near the front or middle of a sunny perennial border, in a pollinator garden, along a walkway, or in a mass planting. Choose a location with good air circulation and soil that drains freely after rainfall.

How far apart should I plant Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage?

Space Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage plants approximately 14–18 inches apart, measuring from the center of each plant. This spacing allows the plants to develop full, branched habits without excessive crowding.

When does Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage bloom?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage begins flowering in late spring or early summer and reblooms throughout summer. Removing faded flower spikes helps encourage additional blue-violet blooms.

Is Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage resistant to deer and rabbits?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage is generally considered resistant to deer and rabbits because of its aromatic foliage. No plant is completely animal-proof, but meadow sage is commonly passed over by browsing wildlife.

Can Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage grow in a container?

Yes. Its compact growth habit makes Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage well suited to patio pots and mixed perennial containers. Use a container with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, and check moisture more frequently than you would for an in-ground plant.

Is Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage invasive?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage is a compact, clump-forming perennial and is not generally considered invasive. It gradually increases in size from its crown but does not spread aggressively through underground runners.

Can Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage grow in clay soil?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage can grow in clay soil if the planting area drains well and does not remain waterlogged. Improve dense, slow-draining soil with organic matter or plant in a slightly raised location to reduce the risk of crown and root rot.

What plants pair well with Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage?

Apex™ Blue Meadow Sage pairs well with roses, catmint, lavender, coreopsis, coneflowers, yarrow, ornamental grasses, and Russian sage. Its blue-violet flowers complement plants with yellow, pink, white, orange, or burgundy coloring.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.