- Author: Susan Rosenthal
The so-called small leaf salvias, Salvia greggii (autumn sage) and Salvia microphylla (mountain sage), are so similar in appearance they are often mistaken for each other, but there are subtle differences. Flowers are almost identical, but greggii has smaller leaves with smooth margins while those of microphylla are slightly larger with serrated margins and visible veins. Other more important differences should be considered when choosing a species for your garden.
Greggii tends to be a little smaller, in the 2- to 3-foot range. It tolerates our full sun a little better, needs less water and is more likely to continue blooming through the hottest part of summer. However, greggii grows from a single stalk, tends to become very woody over time and is best replaced periodically. Stems are also very brittle and break easily.
Microphylla is a little larger, 4 by 4 feet or more. It tolerates more shade and even prefers some afternoon shade. It also needs a little more water. Microphylla will often pause blooming mid-summer, then resume when temperatures fall. Rather than having a single trunk, microphylla is more clump forming, spreads slowly and can be divided from time to time. Stems are more flexible, making it a better choice for gardens with active children or pets.
For the best of both worlds, look for a greggii-microphylla hybrid. Salvia x jamensis is a naturally occurring hybrid discovered in an area of Mexico where the greggii and microphylla habitats converge. Breeders have developed many other hybrids, including the popular Elk, Heatwave and Mesa series salvias. All do well in our area in full sun or part shade. Most are in the 4-by-4-foot range. They resemble microphylla in having more flexible stems and greggii in blooming more consistently through the heat of summer.
Care is pretty much the same for all. Good drainage is a must. Plants will look best with regular water, but definitely don't over water. Deadheading is not needed, but plants can be trimmed throughout the season to shape and keep plants bushier. Reserve heavier pruning for late winter/early spring when plants can be cut back to healthy new growth 12 to 18 inches above the ground. Neither of these species likes to be cut completely to the ground, although microphylla might tolerate it. Feed with a top dressing of compost in spring and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. It's frustrating, but garden centers, especially big box stores, will often label small leaf salvias as just Salvia, with or without a variety or cultivar name. So look at the plant closely and do some quick research to insure you're buying the best plant for your particular situation.
- Author: Susan Rosenthal
This evergreen perennial grows two- to three-feet tall and up to twice as wide. It's form can be prostrate and spreading or more upright, depending on the variety. The emu bush's narrow gray green leaves have a medium-fine texture. Tubular flowers range in color from yellow to orange to red with some varieties showing interesting color morphing as flowers age.
Plant emu bush in full sun to dappled shade. It tolerates most soils, including alkaline, but must have good drainage. Overly wet conditions can quickly lead to fungal problems or root rot. Plant vigor can be controlled by adjusting the amount of supplemental water.
Emu bush is cold hardy to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Prune the plant in early spring to shape and encourage denser growth.
Emu bush can occasionally be found in garden centers, but more varieties are available by mail order.
- Author: Susan Rosenthal
Growing only 4 inches tall, its trailing stems will root where they contact the soil, and clumps can spread 4 to 6 feet. Round slightly scalloped leaves have a minty fragrance and have long been dried to make tea. The evergreen foliage may take on a maroon hue in colder months.
Tiny white flowers that appear in late spring/early summer are fairly inconspicuous. Yerba Buena prefers shade to part shade in our area and average soil. It is fairly drought tolerant once established, but will need summer water to look its best.
This a useful groundcover in drier shady areas that are often difficult and it does well trailing from containers or over boulders or walls. Cut back occasionally to keep plants bushier and top dress with a little compost in spring. Yerba Buena is a member of the mint family but is not aggressive and can easily be kept in check. Yerba Buena is deer resistant and attracts pollinators.
- Author: Susan Rosenthal
This cross between Chilopsis (desert willow) and Catalpa was introduced just a few years ago and is the only shrub form Chitalpa. Growing 5 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it produces pinkish purple orchid- or snapdragon-like blooms in spring and sporadically throughout summer. After one season, my five-gallon plant is now 4 to 5 feet tall.
Recommended for sun to partial shade, mine gets about five hours of afternoon sun but would probably like a little more to bloom better. We'll see as it gets older. One thing for sure, the hottest afternoon sun in July didn't phase it. In slightly sandy soil it's doing well with average water. Anyone familiar with the older Chitalpa trees knows their big downside — constant leaf drop all summer long. Because of that, I was really hesitant to try the shrub. But no problem! This one hasn't lost a leaf all summer, and foliage has stayed bright green with no scorching even at 114 degrees.
- Author: Susan Rosenthal
Gray green succulent foliage forms a clump 12 to 18 inches tall and up to 3 feet wide. Brilliant magenta flowers, showy from quite a distance, are carried on 1 to 2 foot stems above the foliage. Each inflorescence is reblooming, so resist the urge to deadhead until completely spent.
Very easy to grow, Calandrinia is said to prefer full sun, but in our area a little afternoon shade can prevent sunburned leaves in the hottest part of summer. It needs a lighter soil with good drainage and very little water once established.
Overwatering will definitely kill this one. A closely related species, Calandrinia grandiflora, is somewhat larger than spectabilis and distinguished by its narrower more elliptical leaves. Both are great, just be aware when buying. More cold hardy than many succulents, Calandrinia can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees without damage.
As older leaves die off, plants can become a little leggy. If so, cut back in late winter. It may be best to replace plants periodically, and fortunately propagation from cuttings is easy. Calandrinia is an excellent choice for a xeriscape or rock garden and also good in containers. Basically, this is one you can plant and forget (almost).