Salvia lyrata – A hardy native perennial, Lyreleaf Sage forms a low rosette of lyre-shaped leaves that often turn deep burgundy in cooler months. In spring, it sends up spikes of tubular lavender-blue flowers that pollinators can’t resist. It’s adaptable, easy to grow, and will happily spread to fill sunny or lightly shaded spots.

Plant: 12–18 inches apart.

Tip: Lyreleaf Sage makes a beautiful groundcover in native or pollinator gardens. We like to let it naturalize along paths and in open garden spaces for a soft, meadow-like look. If you want to limit reseeding, deadhead after blooming—otherwise, enjoy its ability to fill in bare spots and provide early-season nectar.