High Country Gardens
Deep Blue Arizona Salvia
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant shade color.
The Deep Blue Arizona Salvia is an exclusive perennial offering vibrant color for shady garden spots. This Salvia arizonica cultivar blooms continuously through summer with numerous small, deep blue flowers. Its foliage is naturally resistant to rabbits and deer, and the plant is drought-tolerant once established. A long-lived, easy-care perennial with good cold hardiness, it reliably attracts pollinators. It thrives in lean, well-drained soils and is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for adding continuous summer interest to your landscape.
$11.69
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Mature Height
12
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, vibrant color for sunny borders
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts prioritizing low-water, sustainable landscapes
- Wildlife advocates looking to support local pollinators and hummingbirds
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners in regions with harsh, freezing winters
- Gardeners working with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soil
- Low-maintenance gardeners wanting a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it plant
Performance breakdown
Shade Performance
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters rabbits and deer without requiring chemical interventions.
Water Efficiency
Requires minimal supplemental irrigation once the root system is established.
Pollinator Impact
Nectar-rich blooms serve as a reliable magnet for local bees.
Maintenance Ease
A low-effort perennial that demands very little from the gardener.
Bloom Consistency
Provides a steady, reliable show of color throughout the summer.
Key Specs
Mature Height
12 inches
Mature Spread
16 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 through 9
Water Needs
Low
Fertilizer Needs
Low
Light Requirement
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Bloom Season
Summer
Growth Habit
Mounding
Features
- Provides continuous summer color in shade
- Foliage naturally resists rabbits and deer
- Drought resistant and waterwise
- Attracts pollinators with nectar-rich flowers
- Long-lived and easy-care perennial
- Exclusive introduction from High Country Gardens
- Good cold hardiness for a native plant
- Blooms continuously throughout the summer
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and reliability of the Deep Blue Arizona Salvia. Reviewers frequently highlight its vigorous growth habit and stunning, true blue color, noting that the plants establish quickly even in difficult, dry garden spots. This salvia is highly valued for its long lasting bloom period and ability to attract pollinators, making it a dependable cornerstone for xeriscape landscapes.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Deep Blue Arizona Salvia is specifically bred to thrive in partial to full shade, where it will produce its signature deep blue flowers throughout the summer.
This is a waterwise perennial. Once it has established a healthy root system, it requires very little supplemental irrigation and is considered drought-tolerant.
Yes, the foliage of this cultivar is naturally unappealing to both deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens where these animals are common visitors.
It performs best in well-drained soils, including sandy or clay compositions. Ensure the planting site does not stay waterlogged, as good drainage is essential for its longevity.
Since this Salvia has a mounding growth habit and reaches a mature spread of about 16 inches, you should space them at least 16 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
The Deep Blue Arizona Salvia is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, meaning it can withstand a wide range of climates and is quite cold-hardy for a native perennial.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12