About
Salvia mellifera, the California black sage, is a vigorous, aromatic, evergreen perennial producing erect stems of lipped, white to pale-lavender flowers providing summer colour. A rewarding and ornamental drought-tolerant sage for a sunny, very well-drained border in a mild garden.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Plant details
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Half-hardy types should be overwintered under glass or treated as annuals. See salvia cultivation
PruningCut back to the base in spring as new growth emerges. Deadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids, capsid bugs and leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions and powdery mildew