Chaparral Sage

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-5 feet
Spread: 2-5 feet
Flower Color: blue to purplish-blue
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Chaparral Sage (Salvia clevelandii) – A Fragrant, Water-Wise Choice for Arizona Landscapes

Chaparral Sage, also known as Salvia clevelandii, is a highly fragrant, evergreen shrub that thrives in Arizona's hot, dry climate. Native to California and northern Baja California, this low-maintenance plant is prized for its aromatic foliage, stunning blue flowers, and impressive drought tolerance, making it a top choice for water-wise and desert-friendly gardens.

Key Features of Chaparral Sage

1. Vibrant Blue Flowers
   Chaparral Sage produces eye-catching, whorled flower spikes from late spring to early summer, featuring clusters of blue to purplish-blue blooms. These flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local wildlife and enhancing the ecological value of the garden.

2. Aromatic, Silvery-Green Foliage
   The shrub’s gray-green leaves are highly aromatic, releasing a strong, pleasant scent when crushed or brushed. This sage-like fragrance intensifies during hot, dry weather, creating a refreshing, earthy aroma that complements its ornamental appeal. The foliage also adds a soft, silvery tone to the landscape, enhancing color contrast in mixed plantings.

Growing Chaparral Sage in Arizona

Chaparral Sage is a resilient, low-maintenance plant that adapts well to Arizona’s dry, sunny conditions:

• Sunlight: Requires full sun to maximize flowering and maintain healthy growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscapes, rocky soils, and water-efficient gardens.
• Water: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, Chaparral Sage needs minimal watering, making it suitable for dry climates.

Landscape Uses

Chaparral Sage’s beauty and resilience make it an excellent addition to various garden styles:

• Native Plant Gardens: Complements native desert plants, providing color and fragrance.
• Xeriscaping: Drought tolerance makes it a top choice for water-wise landscapes.
• Mixed Borders: Adds vibrant color and texture as an accent in borders or as a standalone specimen.
• Herb Gardens: Its aromatic foliage and appealing fragrance enhance sensory garden spaces.

Maintenance and Care

This plant requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes:

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
• Watering: Minimal watering needed; ideal for regions with dry, hot summers.
• Pest Resistance: Chaparral Sage is relatively pest-resistant, reducing the need for intervention.

Order Chaparral Sage for Arizona Gardens at Three Timbers Shop

Bring the beauty and resilience of Chaparral Sage into your Arizona garden. At ThreeTimbersShop.com, you’ll find high-quality Chaparral Sage, perfect for creating sustainable, colorful, and fragrant landscapes in the Phoenix Valley. Ideal for xeriscaping and native plant gardens, Chaparral Sage offers both ornamental beauty and ecological benefits that enrich Arizona landscapes year-round.