Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Salvia dorrii
Desert Sage
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 1 ft to 2 ft
- Width
- 2 ft to 4 ft
- Flower color
- Deep violet blue flowers held in dense clusters above the foliage
- Foliage color
- Silvery gray aromatic leaves with a narrow shape and softly textured surface
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering and avoid cutting into old woody stems
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies and pollinators attracted to nectar rich flowers
About this plant
Salvia dorrii produces whorls of violet-blue flowers surrounded by mauve-pink bracts in late spring to early summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Narrow, aromatic leaves are silvery gray and softly textured, forming a dense mound. The foliage releases a distinctive herbal fragrance when brushed, while the flowers are carried on upright stems above the leaves, adding color and structure during bloom.
Native to the arid regions of the western United States, this species is adapted to open landscapes and rocky terrain. It is well suited to gravel gardens, naturalistic plantings, and dry borders, where its silvery foliage, fragrant leaves, and colorful flowers contribute texture and seasonal character.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
