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Salvia microphylla 'Berkeley Barb'

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Salvia microphylla 'Berkeley Barb'

(Berkeley Barb Mountain Sage) California's Monterey Bay Nursery discovered a surprising Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla) seedling growing accidentally on its gravel floor one day.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Berkeley Barb Mountain Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 7 - 9
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 24"/24"/24"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Patent # This plant is patented, or a patent application has been filed and is pending and may not be propagated, under U.S. Federal Code, Title 35, Part II, Chapter 15 §161 without a license from the patent holder.
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Berkeley Barb Mountain Sage) California's Monterey Bay Nursery discovered a surprising Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla) seedling growing accidentally on its gravel floor one day.

That's how the popular Berzerkeley series of Mountain Sages was born. This one is a paler shade of hot pink than Berzerkely and is named for a counterculture newspaper published in Berkeley, California, from 1965 to 1980. It blooms spring to fall.

Mountain Sages are fragrant, heat tolerant and drought resistant. They are native to the American Southwest and Northern Mexico. In the U.S., they grow well in mild climates. Berkeley Barb's typical Mountain Sage foliage is deep green, veined and glossy. However, it is particularly dense.

Give Berkeley Barb full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil and average watering based on local conditions. It is an ideal groundcover, border plant or container plant, especially for dry gardens. Hummingbirds revel in its nectar.

Mountain Sages are the focus of research for their potential use in insecticides as well as medicines. Their plant chemicals contain antioxidant qualities and decrease gastrointestinal absorption of fats. We simply appreciate them for being easy to grow and pretty.