A rounded California native sage with gray-green leaves that release a strong, sweet scent when brushed. Whorls of blue-violet flowers appear in spring and draw hummingbirds. In the low desert it does best with some afternoon shade.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is less drought tolerant in our heat than most desert shrubs, and summer drought leaves it sparse and thin. It also needs fast-draining soil, since soggy roots lead to rot.
Pruning
Cut it back in late winter, around February, to keep it dense; many growers take it down by about half. Some prefer a lighter trim in fall followed by the larger cut in winter. Remove spent flower stalks in summer.
Heat and sun
Give it filtered afternoon shade or an east exposure. In full western sun it struggles through summers that top 115°F.
How our designers use it
Fragrance
Its scent is strong, especially in warm weather. Our designers like it a short step away from a patio or path, close enough to enjoy but not brushed by every passerby.
Hummingbird border
With penstemons and native wildflowers, it makes a spring display that brings in hummingbirds and bees.
Under light shade
A desert willow or mesquite canopy gives it the afternoon break it wants.
Good to know
Around the pool
Bees and hummingbirds visit in spring, and the scent is strong at close range. Keep it a few feet off the deck.
Lifespan
In Phoenix it often lasts only a few years. Plan on replacing it as it fades.
