1. * Creeping Sage – Salvia sonomensis
(SAL-vee-uh so-no-MEN-sus)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Foothills and mountains of central & N. CA and in San Diego Co.; dry, rocky slopes or
understory of chaparral, oak woodland, yellow-pine forest below 6500 ft.
Growth characteristics: creeping woody shrub
mature height: 1-2 ft.
mature width: 4-10+ ft.
Attractive, low-growing (sometimes almost mat-like) sage. Leaves are grayish-green, elliptical
leaves, woolly underneath and puckered above. Foliage looks/smells like a Mediterranean herb.
Blooms mid-spring into fall. Flowers are usually blue-violet, small and typical for
Salvias. Flowers are clustered in ball-like whorls on leafless stems above the foliage. Very showy.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful groundcover in a Mediterranean style garden.
Good choice
for a slope or growing up to a pathway, where its fragrance will be appreciated. Lovely with
manzanita, monkey flowers and monardella in a water-wise garden. Good groundcover under larger
shrubs; dramatic cascading over a wall.
Cultivar 'John Farmar-Bowers' has white flowers. ‘Mrs
Beard’ and ‘Dara’s Choice’ sages are hybrids between Salvia sonomensis & Salvia mellifera and may
be more hardy in S. CA gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody groundcovers, herbs.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird plant. Other birds will eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Best in light to part-shade in our area.
Needs good drainage; not for alkali soils (pH > 8.0).
Occasional deep water once established (Zone 1-2 best).
Prune back to 6-10 inches (4/6 nodes) above hardwood after flowering to keep it
tidy and youthful looking.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: cold-moist 3 mo. by cuttings:semi-softwood or hardwood in spring or fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 20
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
10/29/10
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