Cedros Island sage is a small, silvery sub-shrub native to Cedros Island off the coast of Baja California. It has rounded, hairy leaves and produces violet-blue flowers throughout the year that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Cedros Island sage grows well in full sun, tolerates heat, and requires well-drained soil and occasional summer water once established. It is suitable for borders, edging walkways, and containers.

1. *Cedros Island sage – Salvia cedrosensis (SAL-vee-uh say-dro-SEN-sis)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Cedros Island off the coast of Baja California and on the adjacent mainland at Vizcaino
Peninsula; along dry riverbeds and canyons in rocky soil, coastal sage scrub/chaparral.
Growth characteristics: half-woody sub-shrub mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Relatively low-growing, mounded or fountain-like sub-shrub. Leaves are small, rounded, covered in
dense, white hairs. Foliage appears silvery to almost white (like White sage). Aroma is mild,
pineapple-like. Very attractive smaller salvia. Frost-tender – water & cover if frost predicted.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms off and on throughout year; peak is late summer/early fall. Flowers are
violet-blue in whorls on 4-5 inch flowering stalks above foliage. Flower shape is typical for Mint
family; petals are fused into distinct lips. Flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Uses in the garden: Size and color make this sage useful along borders or edging walkways. Plant
tolerates heat well, so fine in hot places in the garden. Looks lovely with other Salvias and native
shrubs and perennials. Nice accent plant in a habitat garden. Natural cultivar ‘Baja Blanca’ has all
the good characteristics of the species, but has white flowers. Does well in containers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Salvias.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator & bird habitat: provides nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade. Tolerates heat.
Soil Well-drained best but clays possible w/ careful irrigation; any local pH.
Water Water regularly to establish, then occasional summer water (once a month or less).
Fertilizer None needing in ground; yearly dose of ½ strength in containers.
Other No mulch or rocky mulch best; thin organic mulch OK.
Management: Prune back to 3-4 sets of new leaves per branch in fall. Watch for aphids.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; fairly easy by cuttings: yes, summer.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 7, 14, 71 1/31/17
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND