Clary Sage 'Oxford Blue' Seeds

Salvia viridis 'Oxford Blue' is the single-colour cousin of the popular 'Monarch Mix'. It produces upright spikes of intensely saturated, deep violet-blue bracts that look like velvet.

Because the colour comes from the leafy bracts rather than fragile petals, the display lasts for months, weathering rain and wind without fading. It provides a solid, architectural block of dark colour that anchors a border and makes lighter flowers pop.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Oxford Blue'

Every garden needs "cool" colours to balance out the hot pinks and oranges, and this is one of the best. It works beautifully as a foil for brighter plants.

It is also a dual-purpose superstar. Fresh, it adds vertical interest to summer bouquets. Dried, it keeps its deep blue colour perfectly, making it essential for winter wreaths. It is robust, drought-tolerant once established, and beloved by bees.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Salvia viridis is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year. Because it is "Hardy," it can withstand the cold. You can sow it in spring for summer flowers, or—for the biggest, strongest plants—sow it in autumn. Autumn-sown plants will build a strong root system over winter and flower much earlier the following spring.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

This is a very fuss-free plant that is excellent for beginners.

🌱 Germination:
You can start them indoors, but Clary Sage is very happy sown directly into the soil outdoors. Sow the seeds in drills about 5mm deep. Keep the soil moist, and they will germinate in 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They love a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They originate from the Mediterranean, so they handle dry spells very well once established. If growing in pots, ensure they have good drainage as they dislike sitting in water.

Care While Growing:
The Pinch: When the seedlings are about 5-10cm tall, pinch out the top tips. This encourages the plant to bush out and produce multiple stems of colourful bracts rather than just one. Keep cutting flowers for the vase, and the plant will keep producing more side shoots.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features, helping you decide if these intense blue bracts are the right fit for your garden.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Because 'Oxford Blue' is such a dark, intense colour, it needs brighter partners to really show it off. Here are my top pairings from the shop:

• 🧡 Calendula 'Neon': For a high-impact look, pair this deep blue Salvia with the electric orange of 'Neon' Calendula. Blue and Orange are opposites on the colour wheel, creating a vibrant, vibrating display.
• ☁️ Ammi majus (Bishop's Flower): If you prefer a calmer look, the white lace of Ammi lifts the dark blue of the Salvia, creating a classic "blue and white" china pattern effect in the border.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow direct outdoors in spring or autumn. Successional sowing extends the harvest well into October.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)