S. corrugata
Zones 14-24
Full sun
Regular water

Sages comprise the largest genus in the mint family, including some 900 species from throughout the world. Flower colors range from white and yellow through salmon and pink to scarlet and pure red, from pale lavender to true blue and darkest purple. A few sages have fragrant blossoms, and many have aromatic foliage. They’re prized for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. S. corrugata, from the high elevations of South America, is an evergreen shrub with dense, upright habit, reaching 5–6 ft. tall and almost as wide. Quilted, corrugated leaves are deep green on top, with prominent light veining and delicate, pale tan hairs beneath. From summer into fall, the plant is crowned with upright 4-in.-long spikes of tightly clustered, deep blue flowers held in dark purple calyxes. Pretty alongside roses or in shrub borders and excellent in containers. Give weekly deep irrigation through the growing season.