Salvia sonomensis x mellifera - Mrs. Beard

Low, fragrant, and fabulously California, Salvia ‘Mrs. Beard’ is a drought tolerant native sage hybrid with aromatic foliage and soft lavender-blue flower spikes. A cross of Sonoma sage and black sage, this spreading evergreen shrub brings rugged beauty and pollinator value to dry gardens, slopes, pathways, oak edges, and sunny borders.

Also known as Mrs. Beard Sage, it forms a natural-looking mound of fragrant foliage that works beautifully as a low groundcover or border softener. In spring, the flower spikes attract bees, beneficial insects, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the foliage adds year-round texture. Pair it with buckwheats, California poppies, yarrows, native grasses, coyote mint, and other water-wise California native perennials.

Plant Salvia ‘Mrs. Beard’ in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Once established, it needs little summer water and is an excellent choice for low-maintenance native landscapes. Deer resistant, aromatic, and quietly glamorous, this sage brings easy habitat value to the garden. Explore more fragrant favorites in our Salvia - Sage collection.