Santa Rosa Island Sage
Salvia brandegeei 'Pacific Blue'
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerates sandy or clay soil.
3–5ft tall , 4–4ft wide
Mar-May
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Santa Rosa Island off Ventura County coast, below 1000 ft elevation, in coastal sage scrub.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Santa Rosa Island Sage in full sun with fast-draining soil - it tolerates sandy or clay soil, so amending isn't critical. Space plants 4–5 feet apart, as they'll reach 4–5 feet tall and spread up to 7 feet wide in cultivation. This plant thrives best within 10 miles of the coast in central or southern California, so if you're inland or in the North Bay, expect it to be less happy. Plant in spring for best establishment.
After Planting
Water weekly for the first summer to establish the plant, then taper back to once or twice per month during summer once established - this is a very low-water plant and overwatering is the fastest way to kill it. Once established, you can go long stretches without supplemental water. Prune after flowering (which happens March through May) to maintain shape, and expect pale blue to lavender flowers and evergreen dark green foliage year-round with minimal fuss.
Visit Calscape for more information about Santa Rosa Island Sage
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Occasional visitor during warm periods; pollinator service
Multiple broods utilize nectar resources during warm months
Polyphagous larval host; multiple generations per year
Adult nectar foraging during warm months
Frequent visitor to flowering salvias; multiple broods
Larval host plant; early season breeder in California
Larvae feed on foliage; host plant for multiple broods in California