Alphabetical Plant Listing

Salvia columbariae (Chia Sage)

California Sage, Chia Sage, Golden Chia, Desert Chia, Chia


Widespread throughout southern California to Mexico, Salvia columbariae (Chia Sage) is a stunning annual boasting one or more round clusters packed with tiny, vivid-blue flowers in early spring to early summer. Borne along strongly vertical, square stems, each cluster contains one dozen to several dozens of two-lipped flowers. Usually, only a small number of flowers are in bloom at any one time, so the most visible components of the cluster are the contrasting purple calyces. The blossoms are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage is mostly basal, pinnately divided into narrow lobes, and covered with short bristly hairs. The flowers give way to tiny, nutritious oil-rich seeds. Once an important food for Native Americans, the seeds (Chia) were ground into meal and mixed with water to make mush. Recently rediscovered, Chia has become very popular as an extremely high source of omega-3 fatty acids. Found on fast-draining gravel slopes, Chia Sage thrives in fast-draining rock gardens conditions.

  • Grows up to 4-18 in. tall (10-45 cm) and 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in sandy, well-drained soils. Tolerant to clay soils. Though it is very drought tolerant, it accepts summer water well.
  • No serious pest and disease issues.
  • Perfect for wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens.
  • Remove flower spikes as they fade to prolong flowering.
  • Propagate by division, rooted sections, or seed.
  • Native to California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Salvia - Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 2' (10cm – 60cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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Nature Shutterbug, Joe Decruyenaere (Flickr), Sundry Photography (Shutterstock)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Salvia - Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 4" – 2' (10cm – 60cm)
Spread 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Salvia - Sage

Guides with Salvia - Sage

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