This annual has upright slender hairy squared stems and basal leaves that form a tufted habit. It has mid-green slightly lobed oblong leaves and the pale blue tube-shaped flowers appear in a rounded cluster above the foliage during summer.

Hardiness zones 7 to 11

Salvia columbariaeis naturally found in North America from California to Baja California growing in chaparral, creosote bush scrub, coastal sage scrub and southern oak woodlands in drifts.

It prefers an open sunny to exposed position and it grows in well-drained moderately fertile sandy to clay soils with a pH 6-8 and is frosts and drought tolerant.

Chia is grown for its colourful bracts and small flowers. It is planted in drifts in woodland settings or use in annual displays for parks and gardens. It is suitable for coastal and desert regions establishing in one season and is short lived. This annual may also be planted in patio pots or planter boxes. ID 3666

Salvia(SAL-vee-uh) columbariae(KOH-lom-BAH-ree-ay)

Lamiaceae(lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
(Labiatae)
Mint Family