Blue Sage Seeds|Salvia pachyphylla|California Native Wildflowers|Sage|Southwestern Wildflowers|Native Plants|Mountain|Desert|Native Seeds

Blue sage is a long-lived evergreen shrub. This species combines many nice attributes, including drought tolerance, long bloom period, showy flowers, attractive foliage, and strong aroma. Blue sage is valuable for its ability to add late summer color to the water-conserving garden. The plants are woody and highly branched. The evergreen leaves remain attractive through the winter in the warmer climates of the Intermountain West. In colder areas, the leaves and smaller branches may be damaged by cold and require some pruning in spring. Flowers form on new growth and begin blooming in late June or early July. The small flowers are dark blue, set in a background of prolific red-purple bracts. The plants remain colorful well into September. Blue sage is one of the most vibrant of all Intermountain West native plants.

Native range of Salvia pachyphylla includes the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and mountainous areas of southern Nevada and northern Arizona. Common habitats are dry shrublands, rocky slopes, and juniper/pinyon woodlands. This species can be found at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet.

Well-drained soil is essential for long-term survival of this species. Tolerates clay soils if grown in a dry climate or not over-watered. Adapted to alkaline soils. Shows best form in nutrient-poor soils. Packet will contain 10 seeds.