The lovely Cleveland Sage

Red Salvia is a hummer magnet. It appreciates afternoon shade or filtered shade underneath a native tree such as the Velvet Mesquite or Blue Palo Verde. The roots do not compete with each other, and both of these trees appreciate the extra water, especially the mesquite, which can take as much (or as little) as you care to provide.The penstemon species are must-haves for attracting hummingbirds. The best part about penstemons aside from their gorgeous flowers, is many of the species propagate freely by reseeding themselves throughout your landscaping provided conditions are right. Collecting seeds to help them along can’t hurt. Just sprinkle the seeds where you have irrigation to help germination.View the list »
The Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha maderensis ‘Lavender Spice’) is a heat loving perennial that also prefers part or filtered shade. It can live happily under the shade of tree provided the shade is not too dense. Too much shade means fewer flowers. With the right light and water, the Mexican Oregano will bloom nearly nine months out of the year.

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Cleveland Sage, Salvia clevelandii, is an excellent shrub (sometimes called a perennial) for desert landscaping in both Tucson and Green Valley. Hardy down to 10 degrees, the Cleveland Sage provides spring color. The purple flower spikes have an unusual shape, and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies. The leaves are aromatic, especially after rain.

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While the Cleveland Sage can handle our hot temperatures, it does appreciate some afternoon shade in the hottest parts of Arizona. The most common variety of Cleveland Sage has gray-green leaves, although occasionally you might see one with leaves more on the green side. Cleveland Sage needs good drainage or will rot or suffer branch dieback. The spent flower stalks made nice floral arrangements.

Plant Cleveland Sage with other part-shade loving plants such as Red Salvia or Mexican Oregano. For more hummingbirds don’t forget to add some penstemon, the hummingbird’s favorite flower.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • The Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha maderensis ‘Lavender Spice’) is a heat loving perennial that also prefers part or filtered shade. It can live happily under the shade of tree provided the shade is not too dense. Too much shade means fewer flowers. With the right light and water, the Mexican Oregano will bloom nearly nine months out of the year.
  • The penstemon species are must-haves for attracting hummingbirds. The best part about penstemons aside from their gorgeous flowers, is many of the species propagate freely by reseeding themselves throughout your landscaping provided conditions are right. Collecting seeds to help them along can’t hurt. Just sprinkle the seeds where you have irrigation to help germination.
  • Red Salvia is a hummer magnet. It appreciates afternoon shade or filtered shade underneath a native tree such as the Velvet Mesquite or Blue Palo Verde. The roots do not compete with each other, and both of these trees appreciate the extra water, especially the mesquite, which can take as much (or as little) as you care to provide.
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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