Salvia roemeriana

Cedar sage is a colorful member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Texas and adjacent northeastern Mexico. It gets its common name from its habit of growing under and around cedar trees (Juniperus spp.). The species epithet honors Ferdinand von Roemer (1818–1891), a German-born geologist whose studies of Texas geology earned him the nickname  “Father of Texas Geology.” 

Cedar sage is a short-lived herbaceous perennial that blooms the first year from seed. It is often grown as an annual. It is unfussy about soil texture, pH or fertility. It blooms best in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it is tolerant of occasional droughts. 

This species is an excellent early-blooming plant for hummingbirds, and even after the first flush of flowers in early spring, it continues to produce sporadic flowers all summer. Cedar sage also produces cleistogamous flowers, which are flower buds that never open, nevertheless, they produce fertile seeds. Cedar sage can spread rapidly by seeds, but the seedlings are easily spotted and removed, or allowed to grow and fill the space. 

Cedar sage was much admired by the famous Irish-born gardener and writer William Robinson, who advocated for this plant for the front of the herbaceous border. Use cedar sage in a pollinator garden, cottage garden, or rock garden. It would also work in a children’s garden or fairy garden. It attracts hummingbirds and self-seeds. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

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