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 |
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 |