The Gorgeous And Underrated Type Of Sage That Adds A Pop Of Pink To Your Garden

Waterwise landscapes don't have to be boring showcases of the same old, big box nursery plants — and when gardeners seek out lesser-known native plants that are well adapted to their regions, their yards can become neighborhood attractions. Whether you call it sage or salvia, Mojave sage (Salvia pachyphylla) is one such underrated plant. With its silvery green leaves, purple flowers, and pink bracts, it provides loads of color in the yard, including a stunning pop of pink.

Mojave sage is one of those small, evergreen shrubs that will make your landscaping look great all year. It reaches 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with a mounding growth habit, and has aromatic leaves that make it deer resistant. This member of the mint family is low maintenance, and has no doubt been overlooked in the past in favor of exotic ornamentals. As more and more gardeners turn to native plants to beautify their yards, this underrated shrub is getting more well-deserved attention.

Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 10, with the right type of growing conditions, can include this gorgeous plant in their yards. This native of high desert areas in the southwest U.S., requires full sun and soil that has good drainage. Once established, it has very low water needs. This makes it a great alternative to thirsty ornamental plants that require plenty of water to keep them alive during summer. Drought-adapted species like Mojave sage can serve as waterwise foundation plants, providing curb appeal and interest for wildlife lovers.

For an unexpected splash of pink and mauve, include Mojave sage in a yard or garden that has been xeriscaped, one of the low maintenance ways to create an eye-catching front lawn without grass. This silvery shrub – also commonly referred to as rose sage –can be used in waterwise pollinator gardens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, it's perfectly adapted to growing in high elevation gardens.