Salvia 'Dara's Choice'

Salvia mellifera x S. sonomensis hybrid introduced in the 1980's by Nevin Smith of Wintergreen Nursery. Growing to 3', it is taller and more mounding than creeping sage. Features aromatic, mid-green leaves and 8" flowering spikes with tiny violet flowers held in tight whorls. Tolerates some shade and little or no water when established. Useful as bank cover, in terracotta pots, or draping over walls. Hardy to 10F. Dara Emery selection from the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

A hybrid of creeping sage and black sage, Dara's choice forms a low mounded sub-shrub of greenish-blue foliage with dark violet-blue flowers. This plant makes an outstanding ground cover, growing to 2 ft in height, and 3-6 ft wide. Prune back this evergreen shrub in late summer to keep compact. Unlike other sages, Dara's choice grows well in partial shade. It prefers well drained soil, and is susceptible to wilt if over watered. The fragrant, aromatic leaves and the delightful blooms will please plant lovers and backyard critters alike. Great pollinator and wildlife plant. An apparent hybrid of S. sonomensis, selected by the late Dara Emery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

The seed for this EASY groundcover Sage was originally collected by Dara Emery at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden & it appears to be a natural hybrid between S. mellifera & S. sonomensis. In windy condition it may stay 16" tall & spread to 6' plus wide. In protected areas it may be 3' tall. In all cases it is a good choice as a bank cover or as a specimen draping down a wall or the sides of large pots. Prune in late Summer to keep compact. The leaves are a fresh green color on top, white underneath & pleasantly fragrant. The flowers are a lovely blue color & are quite showy from March thru May. Very attractive to Hummingbirds!