Pacific Blue Sage

An upright, multi-stemmed shrub with arching branches, 3-4 ft tall by 4-6 ft wide. Aromatic, narrow green leaves have a pebbled texture above and downy white undersides. In late winter and spring, the gentian blue flowers are borne in profusion on branched, 1-2 foot stalks. 'Pacific Blue' is a robust, fast-growing, aromatic native sage that will appeal to gardeners who have had difficulty growing the more finicky blue-flowered sages.

Tolerant of drought conditions in southern California but also accepts moderate summer water. Wide soil tolerance; well-drained preferred. Occasional aphid infestation on lush new growth. Useful in water-thrifty perennial borders to attract hummingbirds. The chocolate brown seed heads are attractive in dried bouquets and many birds eat the seeds.

A volunteer plant in the Garden selected by Horticulturist Carol Bornstein.