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Salvia sinaloensis (Sinaloan Blue Sage) - A compact herbaceous perennial sage that grows to 1 foot tall and as wide, spreading slowly by branches rooting above ground and by stolons underground. The small pleasantly aromatic leaves are lanced-shaped with toothed margins and tinted with purple-bronze when first emerging and even later when grown in bright light. In late spring through fall on upright hairy dark reddish stems appear the small dark blue flowers that have a white linear spot on the lower lip. Though there is a hint of violet in the flower color, some consider this one of the "true blue" colored sages. The dark calyx remains an attractive feature after the flowers are spent.
Plant in a well-drained soil in full sun to light shade along the coast with brightest light bringing out the best foliage color and flowering, though it is also highly touted for its dependability in shade. This Salvia responds well to regular summer irrigation, but less water can be applied to established plants, particularly those growing in shade and it can be temperamental in heavy soils if they remain wet in winter, so is best with good drainage, a raised planter of even in a container. It has proven winter hardy for us in Santa Barbara, though it was noted to be killed by cold temperatures around 11° F in Betsy Clebsch's mountainside garden in San Mateo County in the 1980s. In our climate this plant does not disappear completely in winter and so its best cut back late winter to remove old stems.
Salvia sinaloensis comes from the Mexican state of Sinaloa where it is found growing in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental and this location gives this plant its specific epithet. Sinaloan Blue Sage was introduced into horticulture in California in the 1980s and we grew it from 1994 to 2015.
This information about Salvia sinaloensis displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.
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