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California Native Plant

Salvia mellifera

Black Sage

Plant photo of: Salvia mellifera
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Information by: GardenSoft        Photographer:

 

Description

This woody shrub has fragrant, dark green leaves with blue, white, or lilac flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Quail and other birds love the seeds. The reliable California native prefers full sun although it will grow in part shade. It does best in well draining soil. Established plants need very little water, as little as twice a month during the summer. Some varieties can get up to 6' tall and 10' wide. Prostate varieties only reach 1-2' tall and 6' wide with much denser habit, making it a great ground cover.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

3-6'

Flower Color

Blue, Lavender, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants with similar watering needs in the same area.