Salvia mellifera
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusSalvia
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Salvia mellifera, commonly known as black sage, is a shrub native to California and Baja California. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and the Salvia genus. This plant thrives in subtropical climates and is well-adapted to dry, coastal environments. It has a dormancy period during the summer months when it may lose some of its leaves.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Audibertia Spinulosa
Audibertia Stachyoides
Audibertiella Stachyoides
Black Sage
Ramona Stachyoides
Salvia mellifera subsp. jonesii
Salvia mellifera subsp. mellifera
Salvia mellifera subsp. revoluta
Salvia mellifera var. jonesii
Salvia mellifera var. revoluta
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Black sage prefers full sun and should be placed in a location where it can receive direct bright light for several hours a day. It thrives in moderate temperatures and does well in environments with average humidity. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings.Soil
Salvia mellifera prefers well-draining soil, ideally a loam mix. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in moderately nutrient-rich soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
This plant does not require frequent fertilization. If desired, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year during the growing season to support healthy growth.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Salvia mellifera, as it is typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in a container, repotting should be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and fresh soil mix.Propagation
Propagation of black sage can be done through seeds or cuttings. The best time to propagate is in the spring. For cuttings, take a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the shape and health of the plant. It should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back to encourage bushier growth.Toxicity
Salvia mellifera is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. It is generally considered safe to have around animals and children.Additional
Black sage is known for its aromatic leaves and is often used in traditional medicine and cooking. It also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a garden focused on supporting local wildlife.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
