Grandstand™ Blue Bicolor - Salvia splendens

Grandstand™ Blue Bicolor is an upright scarlet sage with lavender-blue and white flower spikes. Its branching form and extended display make it useful for sunny containers and seasonal borders. ## Form and flowering A Penn State flower trial recorded strong flowering from July through September and measured this selection at about 25 inches tall and 29 inches wide; plants can vary with growing conditions. Costa Farms describes the flowers as soft lavender-blue and white. ## Siting and care Plant in full sun or part shade in well-drained loam and provide regular moisture. NC State Extension notes that Salvia splendens is not drought tolerant and is commonly grown as an annual in colder climates. Use this selection in containers or borders; the flowering stems also bring color to mixed seasonal displays. Sources: [Green Fuse Grandstand](https://green-fuse.com/new/salvia-splendens-grandstand/), [Penn State flower trial](https://agsci.psu.edu/flower-trials/trial-year/2017/plant-name/salviaspendens-grandstand-blue-bicolor), [Costa Farms](https://costafarms.com/blogs/plant-finder/salvia-annual), [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salvia-splendens/). ## Maintenance Water consistently during hot or dry spells, especially in containers. Pinch young plants to encourage branching, following Green Fuse production guidance, and remove spent stems as needed. Treat as an annual where winter temperatures exceed its hardiness.