Mojave Sage
Mojave sage is a shrubby evergreen perennial plant. It has two notable features. First, it has silvery-green, rounded leaves that are very aromatic. The leaves contrast nicely with green-leaved plants and can be a good backdrop for other xeric plants.
Second, it produces long, narrow blue flowers all summer. The flowers are surrounded by long-lasting purple bracts, which provide bright color until fall. It is native to higher altitude areas of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Mojave Sage
Mojave sage is a shrubby evergreen perennial plant. It has two notable features. First, it has silvery-green, rounded leaves that are very aromatic. The leaves contrast nicely with green-leaved plants and can be a good backdrop for other xeric plants.
Second, it produces long, narrow blue flowers all summer. The flowers are surrounded by long-lasting purple bracts, which provide bright color until fall. It is native to higher altitude areas of California, Nevada and Arizona.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Salvia pachyphylla
Pronunciation
SAL-vee-uh pak-ee-FIL-uh
Mature Height
2 to 3 ft.
Mature Spread
2 to 3 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
blue flowers surrounded by purple bracts
Bloom time
summer to fall
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
southwestern United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 5-10
Elevation Limit
hardy to 6,000 ft.
Performance
We have grown Mojave sage at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden for many years. Its performance is variable. It requires good drainage to grow well, otherwise it will remain very small or die. It has grown better at the Cottonwood Creek Garden than at the Mesa Xeriscape Garden.
When conditions are right, Mojave sage is a beautiful plant that provides a myriad of benefits to the landscape. It is a good choice for sandy or gravelly soils.
Maintenance
Prune regularly to prevent the plant from becoming overly woody.