Description

This rare sage survives on rocky hillsides in Riverside and San Diego Counties above Palm Springs and Borrego Springs. There is also a small population in northwestern Baja. Santa Rosa sage grows as an open, low shrub. It is a rather unusual form for a native sage. The branches are covered with narrow, oval shaped leaves with a warty, rough surface. The tone of green is similar to black sage, Salvia mellifera, and Santa Rosa Island sage, Salvia brandegeei. The upright branches are terminated with whirls of light lavender flowers. Generic recommendations for this sage would include low water and well-draining soil. I have grown one in a garden in Santa Clara County in medium soil and occasional water. It has done surprisingly well through our wet and cold winters. The plant has grown rapidly and flowered generously.