Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’

Bee's Bliss sage

Fast-growing, fragrant groundcover sage with lavender flowers in late spring. Hybrid of native species. Tough, easy, minimal care.

Height6–20in
Width3–8ft
ToleratesCoast, Cool Summers, Drought, Deer, Fog, Gophers, Heat, Rooftops, Neglect, Wind
Water needsLow

Salvia 'Bee's Bliss' thrives in areas from the coast to the desert edge. It appreciates winter rains and fog drip during the summer, but often responds poorly to heavy summer watering. At a minimum, be sure your sage is dry before watering during summer. Waiting for the lower leaves to shrivel will help ensure you aren't overwatering. If you choose to withhold summer water entirely, your plant may look sparse or bony by fall, with only a few leaves still vibrant, but it will flush out quickly with rain (or irrigation) in the fall. This is its natural cycle.

Avoid overhead irrigation as this may promote powdery mildew in cooler, humid areas.

Hardy to20°F
ExposurePart Shade – Full Sun
Plant traitsBees, Butterflies, Flowering, Fragrant Flower, Fragrant Foliage, Ground Cover, Humming Birds
Indoor / outdoorOutdoor
DrainageIn Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
FertilizingLow Needs
OriginHybrid, California
California nativeYes
Sunset zones8, 9, 14–16, 18–24, H1

Growing Notes

Easiest to plant in fall or winter, especially in hot summer areas.

Will survive on winter rainfall alone once established on the coast and in milder coastal valleys, and on minimal irrigation inland. Holds foliage better with occasional summer water.

In coastal areas, plant in the hottest, sunniest spot to minimize mildew.

Special Interest

Like all native salvias, this variety attracts wildlife.

The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.

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