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.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Chaparral Sage

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking required; Chaparral Sage grows as a dense shrub with aromatic foliage and purple flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Chaparral Sage is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure hydration. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or adjust based on rainfall