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Germander Sage Makes a Versatile Flowering Ground Cover
Light up drought-tolerant gardens, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, with Salvia Chamaedryoides’ vibrant blue blooms
Over a long bloom season, germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides) contrasts surrounding flowers with a mist of blue. This Mexican native is extremely versatile, whether used in a perennial bed, container or cottage-themed garden. A perennial in USDA Zone 8 and above, germander sage can also be used as an annual ground cover in colder zones. In addition to beautifying gardens, its blue blossoms also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Germander sage grows in front of turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia) and behind California fuchsia (Epilobium canum) in a New Mexico garden.
Distinguishing traits. Germander sage is a popular choice for arid regions and in gardens where saving water is a priority. This shrubby ground cover’s silvery-green foliage contrasts nicely with that of darker green plants, and its fine texture adds an airy quality.
Distinguishing traits. Germander sage is a popular choice for arid regions and in gardens where saving water is a priority. This shrubby ground cover’s silvery-green foliage contrasts nicely with that of darker green plants, and its fine texture adds an airy quality.
While they may be small, the flowers of this desert native are its main attraction. A vibrant blue, they appear to glow on top of silvery-green stems, making it easy to see why butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist visiting them. Flowers begin to appear in spring and continue through summer and fall.
Germander sage grows in this California garden with chalk dudleya (Dudleya pulverulenta), common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos sp.) and ‘Jester’ conebush (Leucadendron ‘Jester’).
How to use it. Germander sage can be used anywhere a ground cover is desired, whether next to a boulder or grouped for a sea of blue flowers. To draw attention to its gentle mounding shape, plant it alongside spiky succulents such as black-spine agave (Agave macroacantha), whale’s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) or ‘Blue Elf’ aloe (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’).
Use it to create a colorful perennial bed with a combination of drought-tolerant perennials, like blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), Southwest mock vervain (Glandularia gooddingii) and Parry’s penstemon (Penstemon parryi).
How to use it. Germander sage can be used anywhere a ground cover is desired, whether next to a boulder or grouped for a sea of blue flowers. To draw attention to its gentle mounding shape, plant it alongside spiky succulents such as black-spine agave (Agave macroacantha), whale’s tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) or ‘Blue Elf’ aloe (Aloe ‘Blue Elf’).
Use it to create a colorful perennial bed with a combination of drought-tolerant perennials, like blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), Southwest mock vervain (Glandularia gooddingii) and Parry’s penstemon (Penstemon parryi).
Germander sage grows in the foreground here. Purple sandpaper verbena (Glandularia rigida) grows in the background next to pink flowering common yarrow (Achillea millefolium cv.) and Mexican evening primrose (Oenothera berlandier).
Planting notes. Plant it in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In low-desert zones, choose an area that receives filtered or morning sun.
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Planting notes. Plant it in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. In low-desert zones, choose an area that receives filtered or morning sun.
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Common names: Germander sage, Mexican blue sage
Origin: Native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of eastern Mexico
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Needs water every one to two weeks from late spring to early fall and every three to four weeks in winter
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; filtered shade in low-desert gardens
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Benefits and tolerances: Drought-tolerant; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; deer-resistant
Seasonal interest: Vibrant blue flowers spring through fall
When to plant: Spring or fall