Salvia microphylla
baby sage
Mountains of Mexico and southeastern Arizona
Overview
Salvia microphylla is an evergreen subshrub 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall and wide, with a rounded, densely branched form on slender woody stems. The small ovate leaves are 0.5-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm) long, bright green, and release a blackcurrant-like scent when crushed. From late spring into autumn it produces a long succession of tubular, two-lipped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long; flower color ranges from red and magenta to pink, salmon, or bicolors depending on the form. The flowers draw hummingbirds and long-tongued bees. Native to mountain woodland and rocky slopes, the plant grows on free-draining soil and withstands heat and dry spells once established, though it is damaged by hard frost and may behave as a die-back perennial near the cold edge of its range. In mild climates the foliage persists through winter. Many garden selections and hybrids with S. greggii have been raised, broadening the color range. A limitation is its short individual flower life and the open, somewhat sprawling habit that develops if plants are not cut back. Growth is fast, with plants reaching full size within two to three seasons.
Native Range
Salvia microphylla is native to the mountains of eastern and southern Mexico and extends into the sky-island ranges of southeastern Arizona. It grows in pine-oak woodland, on rocky slopes, and along canyon edges at moderate to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in sunny borders, gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens, and mixed plantings with other drought-tolerant perennials. It suits large containers and hummingbird or pollinator gardens. The aromatic foliage makes it usable near paths and seating where it is brushed against.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through autumn, often May to October in mild areas, with repeated flushes between trims. Individual tubular flowers last a few days each, but new ones open continuously over many weeks. Cooler weather can intensify flower color.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red, magenta, or pinkFoliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Salvia microphylla grows in full sun on light, free-draining soil of low to moderate fertility. Once established it tolerates heat and drought and needs only occasional deep watering in dry spells. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10; in colder areas it may die back in winter and resprout from the base, while in mild climates it stays evergreen. Sharp drainage matters more than soil richness, and heavy wet ground in winter shortens its life. Light feeding in spring supports flowering. Plants grown in containers need a pot of at least 3 gallons and free-draining compost.Pruning
Cut plants back by about one third in early spring to maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh flowering wood. A lighter trim after the main summer flush prompts further bloom. Old, woody, bare stems can be reduced gradually rather than all at once.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons