Baby Sage (Salvia microphylla)

Overview

Salvia microphylla, commonly known as Baby Sage, Blackcurrant Sage, Cherry Sage, Delta Sage, Graham's Sage, or Little Leaf Sage, is a versatile, evergreen shrub native to Mexico and Arizona. It has small, glossy, aromatic leaves and produces masses of small, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or white over a very long season from spring to frost.

Taxonomy

• Family: Lamiaceae
• Genus: Salvia
• Species: microphylla
• Synonyms: Salvia gasterantha, Salvia grahamii, Salvia obtusa, Salvia odoratissima

Culture

Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant. Grows 2–4 feet tall and wide depending on cultivar. Many named cultivars exist with varied flower colors. Excellent for borders, hedges, containers, and hummingbird gardens.