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Salvia microphylla 'Telegraph Avenue'
Salvia microphylla 'Telegraph Avenue'
Salvia microphylla 'Telegraph Avenue'

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Salvia microphylla 'Telegraph Avenue'

(Telegraph Avenue Dwarf Mountain Sage) Here’s another member of the Turbulent Sixties Series of Southwestern Mountain Sages (Salvia microphylla), which developed from one of nature’s rebels – an accidental hybrid that Monterey Bay Nursery (MBN) named ‘Berzerkeley’ after finding it taking a stand in the nursery’s gravel paving.

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. Telegraph Avenue Dwarf 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
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. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
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  • Salvia microphylla 'Telegraph Avenue'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Telegraph Avenue Dwarf Mountain Sage) Here’s another member of the Turbulent Sixties Series of Southwestern Mountain Sages (Salvia microphylla), which developed from one of nature’s rebels – an accidental hybrid that Monterey Bay Nursery (MBN) named ‘Berzerkeley’ after finding it taking a stand in the nursery’s gravel paving.

Salvia microphylla is a free spirit of a plant that crosses readily with other Salvias, particularly Salvia greggii. MBN developed five more hybrids from the hardy, red Berzerkely, including Telegraph Avenue Mountain Sage, which is a short but widespreading cultivar with intense magenta flowers.

Telegraph Avenue Mountain Sage gains its name from one of the main streets near the University of California, Berkeley – a street that was the site of many Vietnam Era anti-war protests.

Mountain Sage is a sub-shrub combining herbaceous and shrubby growth. Its green foliage is crinkly, heavily veined with serrated edges. It is native to Arizona and Northern Mexico where it pays to be a heat-loving plant. Topping out at 24 inches tall by 60 inches wide, the fragrant, drought-resistant Telegraph Avenue variety is just the right size for groundcover as well as patio containers and path edging.

A combination of full sun and partial shade is best for any Mountain Sage, especially during the heat of summer. All Mountain Sages can tolerate dry conditions but prefer regular watering. Don’t fuss too much about soil quality, because this plant is adaptable to a broad range of growing conditions.