Dara's Choice Sage

Very compact, evergreen subshrub 1.5 ft tall by 4-6 ft wide whose stems may root. The leaves are medium green above, whitish green beneath, 3 - 4 inches long, oblanceolate and aromatic. The blue-purple flowers are held in short spikes in spring. The low spreading habit makes 'Dara's Choice' a desirable groundcover in mixed borders. Other features include aromatic foliage and hummingbird-attracting flowers.

Well-drained soil and judicious watering seem to be key factors in avoiding dieback caused by root rot. As with many sages, has occasional aphids on new growth and powdery mildew. Grows well for several years and can be maintained in good form with light pruning.

A Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Introduction. An open-pollinated selection made by horticulturist Dara Emery from seed collected off a plant labeled Salvia sonomensis in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The original seed collection, obtained from UC Davis, came from Pine Hill in El Dorado County. It is most likely a hybrid with Salvia mellifera due to its upright habit and intermediate foliage characteristics.