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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) (Mints) |
| Origin: California (U.S.A.) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Lavender Blue |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Parentage: (Salvia leucophylla x S. clevelandii or S. sonomensis) |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 6-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Salvia 'Bee's Bliss' (Bee's Bliss Sage) - This native California shrub grows low to the ground, never exceeding 2 feet, and can reach 6 to 8 feet wide and draping over rocks or walls. It has an extended bloom with whorls of lavender-blue flowers on 1 foot long spikes from mid-spring into early summer, rising above the tomentose gray-green leaves. Plant in full sun and water sparingly. This plant is quite drought tolerant, particularly in coastal gardens and seems to dislike overhead irrigation which can promote powdery mildew along the coast. Looks its best with occasional deep watering. Considered hardy to 20-25° F but has reportedly survived to 18° F without damage. Makes a great groundcover, particularly on slopes and attracts bees, butter?ies, hummingbirds and other birds to the garden but is not particularly attractive to browsing animals. It is a garden hybrid that was selected in 1989 by Roger Raiche at the University of California Botanic Garden and named by Marcia Donahue. It is thought to be a cross of Salvia leucophylla with either Salvia sonomensis or Salvia clevelandii though some have noted its similarity to a plant called Salvia 'Gracias', which is described as a Salvia sonomensis and Salvia clevelandii hybrid from an unknown source. The Theodore Payne foundation describes 'Bee's Bliss' as more draping than 'Gracias' and more compact than Salvia leucophylla 'Pt. Sal Spreader'.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Salvia 'Bee's Bliss'.
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