Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

Although Salvia is a cosmopolitan genus with representatives throughout Asia and Europe, it is in the rocky soils and deserts from southern California and Mexico south to Argentina that the group blossoms in an unrivaled diversity of form and color. We have hummingbirds to thank for this optical feast, because the tubular flowers in brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, white, blue and purple are advertisements for their services.

The 5 petals of sages are fused into a tube that diverges into an upper and a lower lip. The upper lip is narrow and arches over the anthers like a claw shaped umbrella, protecting them from the elements and forcing them up against the beak or head of the pollinator. The female stigma arches down from the claw so that it is positioned smack dab in the middle of the nectar tube- a nightclub bouncer waiting for her granular gratuity. The lower lip is large and bannerlike, variously ruffled and shaped like colorful prayer flags hung on a pole, and it is these that give the plants such a luminous appeal. William Cullina, NEWFS Guide to Wildflowers

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Salvia microphylla prefers moist to dry, well-drained soil in full sun. Drought and humidity tolerant. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Cut back to control height and induce second flush of flowers. May be used as an accent, in masses, xeriscaping, cut flower, herb and perennial garden.