Salvia chamaedryoides
Germander Sage
Description
This low mounding perennial with a long bloom period, spreads by underground runners. It produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have a spicy fragrance. Germander Sage reaches 2' tall and 4' wide. Heaviest blooms are in spring and early fall, but intermittent throughout the year. It requires full sun, well draining soil and is drought tolerant once it's established. Do not fertilize.
Maintenance Tips
Salvia chamaedryoides is a perennial shrub native to Mexico. It can grow 2-3’ tall and 3-4’ wide in a dense, irregular shape. It has intense blue flowers that are born at the tips of the branches, so hedging is discouraged as it will cut off the blooming potential. However, deadheading spent blooms can increase the blooming cycle. It can vary greatly in shape and size, so the best way to keep it low maintenance is to give it the space it requires to reach maturity, then use the thinning method, pruning out the longest branches and allowing sunlight to the interior of the plant. This plant rarely has any pest or disease issues and rarely requires any kind of fertilizer to look and perform its best.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue
Flower Season
Spring, Fall, Intermittent
Leaf Color
Grey, Silver
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.