Salvia sonomensis 'Fremont's Carpet'

Common Name:
Sonoma sage
Plant Type:
Evergreen perennial
Family:
Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
Low
Landscape/Garden Uses:
ground cover
Flowering Season:
Spring

Flower Color:
Violet
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

The species Salvia sonomensis is a prostrate, semishrubby perennial, often seen making broad carpets in the California chaparral. This selection has stems that are closely lined by rather narrow, aromatic leaves, about 2 inches long. They are covered by short hairs, especially on the lower surface, and ashy grey. Rising straight up off the mats in spring are slender stems carrying interrupted clusters of deep blue purple blossoms. This is an ideal ground cover for steep, dry banks, needing full exposure and excellent soil drainage to reliably persist.