Pozo Blue Sage (Salvia clevelandii x leucophylla ‘Pozo Blue’) is a small shrub in the Mint family. It is a hybrid that was introduced by Bert Wilson of Las Pilitas Nursery. It is prized for its highly fragrant, gray-green foliage and blue-violet flowers. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are attracted to the trumpet-shaped flowers and birds eat the seed in late summer through fall. Deer and gophers tend to leave it alone, most likely due to the fragrance.
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) and Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla), the parent sages, grow naturally in Chaparral and Coastal Scrub plant communities. Hot, dry sights with excellent drainage are where Pozo Blue Sage will thrive. And yet, Pozo Blue Sage has proven to be adaptable to different types of soil, making it a good choice for a garden. It is tolerant of heat and low water.
Prune back by third in fall or winter for a fresher appearance and more blooms in spring and to prevent woody, leggy growth. Use the leaves for a delicious tea or to make aromatic and healing body care products.