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Baja Blue Sage

Salvia munzii 'Baja Blue'

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils but performs best in well drained soil.

Size

2–3ft tall , 3–3ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Fragrant

Yes

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

Chaparral endemic to southern California from San Luis Obispo to San Diego Counties, below 2500 ft elevation, on dry slopes; cultivar selection from populations in coastal sage scrub.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Baja Blue Sage in full sun with well-draining soil - it's native to dry regions and won't tolerate soggy conditions. While it tolerates a variety of soils, it performs best in medium-draining soil, so amend heavy clay with compost or coarse sand before planting. Space plants 2-3 feet apart if creating a groundcover effect, or plant singly in containers. Fall through early spring is ideal for planting in the Bay Area, giving roots time to establish before summer.

After Planting

Water weekly for the first few months after planting, then taper off as the plant establishes - by the second year, it should need water no more than once a month in summer once established. This is a deciduous plant, so expect it to drop foliage in winter; this is normal. The #1 mistake is overwatering: despite accepting summer water well, it's extremely drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions, so err on the side of less water rather than more. It will tolerate Bay Area winters down to 20°F without protection.

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