Description
Commonly known as:
Dara’s Choice Sage, Dara’s Choice California Sage
Description of Plant:
Salvia × ‘Dara’s Choice’ is a California native hybrid sage prized for its fragrant silver-gray foliage and abundant lavender-blue flowers. From spring through early summer, the blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees while adding soft color to the landscape. In addition, its compact, spreading habit and exceptional drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens, slopes, and pollinator habitats.
Growth Habit:
This low, spreading evergreen perennial grows 1–2 feet tall and spreads 4–6 feet wide. It forms a dense groundcover that works well on slopes, along pathways, and beneath larger shrubs.
Watering Instructions:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid frequent summer irrigation.
Soil Needs:
Prefers well-draining sandy, rocky, or loamy soil. It performs best in lean soils with excellent drainage.
Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sun and develops the best flowering and compact growth with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best grown outdoors in native gardens, pollinator plantings, slopes, and rock gardens. Give it room to spread naturally, and lightly prune after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
Perennial or Annual:
Perennial in Southern California.
Additional Tips:
Dara’s Choice Sage is an outstanding nectar source for hummingbirds and native pollinators. Fragrant: The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant herbal scent when brushed. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round texture, and its spreading habit helps suppress weeds on dry slopes.
