Salvia Species, Balm-Scented Sage, Grape-Scented Sage

Salvia melissodora

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Salvia (SAL-vee-uh)
Species
melissodora (mel-iss-oh-DOR-uh)
Synonym
Salvia dugesii
Salvia scorodoniifolia
Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Color
Lavender
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Foliage
Herbaceous
Shiny/Glossy
Other Details
Other details
Propagation Methods
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens
Perennials
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Foliage Color
Bronze
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Where to Grow
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Tucson, Arizona

Oak Park, California

Richmond, California

Rohnert Park, California

San Francisco, California

San Jose, California

Austin, Texas

Belton, Texas

Dripping Springs, Texas

Spring Branch, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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S
San Jose, CA | September 2018 | positive

I heard about this salvia from Annie's Annuals and went there to purchase a small pot during a Fall sale. The plant seemed to bake in f...Read More

S
Oak Park, CA (Zone 9b) | July 2013 | positive

Seems to do really well in dry conditions, but temperatures close to 100 F seems to curl its foliage a bit.

Flowers young ...Read More

K
K
San Francisco, CA | July 2011 | positive

My favorite salvia! I have this growing in a gigantic planter, is lovely w/ limelight helichrysum in front. Purple flowers that are lov...Read More

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