Mrs. Beard Sage | Our Favorite Native Plants for SoCal Gardens

Mrs. Beard sage (Salvia 'Mrs. Beard') is a stunning hybrid between two California native sages, Salvia mellifera and Salvia sonomensis. This plant boasts a gorgeous display of light purple flowers from late winter or early spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. Its darker foliage provides a unique contrast compared to other native sages. It acts as a large scale ground cover in landscapes, making it ideal for creating seasonally lush, expansive areas.
In inland Southern California, this plant can easily grow between 6 to 10 feet wide, though can be kept a bit smaller though consistent pruning if needed.
Known for being low maintenance, it thrives in a variety of conditions, particularly in light dappled shade or with morning sun and afternoon shade. During the heat of summer, it may go dormant in full sun conditions, demonstrating its developed drought adaptation.
Mrs. Beard sage proves to be a reliable ground cover choice for sunny banks and slopes in Mediterranean and California native garden plantings. It prefers well-drained soils and requires minimal supplemental water.
For more information about Mrs. Beard Sage and other waterwise and California native plants: waterwisegardenplanner.org
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