California Gardens - The Year Round Gardening Site

Salvia microphylla, Salvia Grahamii - Little Leaf Sage

Salvia microphylla is a strong robust plant. With or without care it will keep going in the garden. I have grown Salvia microphylla on south facing slopes with no water and an errant homeowner who mowed it pretty regularly, I don't think he liked plants. This Sage is still grown by some growers under the name of Salvia grahamii. The Little Leaf Sage has also performed well in a dry garden under Oaks. I have grown it in the most cared for situation that would have drowned a lesser plant. Little Leaf Sage does gradually outgrow its space and have to be headed back a bit. Fortunately Salvia microphylla will recover from even the most brutal hack job. As with many of the Sages the fragrant foliage makes this a pleasant task. Many varieties of this sage go by the old species names, cultivar and common names; Delta Sage, Cherry Sage, Graham Sage, Little Leaf Sage, Berzerkeley, Hot Lips, Maraschino, Wild Watermellon, and Baby Sage. All of the Salvia microphylla cultivars are great additions to the Hummingbird Garden as well as the Butterfly Garden.

Salvia microphylla, Salvia grahamii, Little Leaf Sage

Flowers and foliage of Salvia microphylla, Little Leaf Sage. High resolution photos are part of our garden image collection.