Salvia microphylla

Little leaf sage is an evergreen shrub in the mint  (Lamiaceae) family, found in southeastern Arizona and the mountains of eastern, western, and southern Mexico. The species epithet is a Greek compound meaning “small leaf.”

This plant needs to be planted in full sun and in well-drained soil. It is drought- and heat-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant. Propagate by seeds or stem cuttings. 

The pink, red or white flowers occur on spikes and bloom in spring, summer and fall. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The leaves are aromatic and can be used in making teas. The popular cultivar ‘Hot Lips’ is usually white with a red lower lip, but the proportion of the flower that is red seems to be dependent on temperature. More observations and research are needed. Little leaf sage and autumn sage (Salvia greggii) are the parents of Salvia × jamensis. All three taxa are popular ornamental plants but are difficult to distinguish from one another. Many modern cultivars are difficult to place in any of these three taxa.

Use little leaf sage in the perennial border, or in butterfly, cottage, rock, or pollinator gardens, or for xeriscaping.

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Whitefly, aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are insect problems. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Salvia.