From a few small plants, I was able to propagate this in an drip irrigated area with good garden soil to the point that it spread vigorously then grew outside of the irrigated area and garden soil. It spread so well, in the fall/winter, I was able to transplant many “starts” to a southwest facing slope along my driveway which has horrible soil, but possible very late afternoon shade. (We may have several successive days of over 100 deg. F. temps. in the summer.) The 2nd transplants are growing well on the southwest slope, though I don’t irrigate it and the transplant method was “harsh”. This is a tough and vigorous plant! At this stage, I can recommend this plant, though I believe I will have to control it if it reaches better soil or irrigated areas.

It appears to grow like ice plant, low and creeping. It currently requires some weeding of exotic grasses and weeds, though over time it may fill in to reduce weeding. The plants are prostrate with ~2″ long leaves that are a subtle grey green color which contrasts with beautiful blue flowers on short (1 foot or less) stalks that bloom in May. The leaves have a typical sage odor more typical of Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii), than the native white sage (Salvia apiana) or the horticultural sage. I haven’t tried to use sonoma sage in recipes.

My one concern is that Sonoma sage might spread beyond the slopes where I want it and be difficult to control, like ice plant. I seemed to be able to easily pull it out from the garden bed and the surrounding area when the soil was soft (winter), though it had branched significantly even underground.

Does anyone have any experience with this plant in landscaping or the garden? I would like to plant this very low ground hugging plants on other expansive steep south and southwest facing slopes, as it appears to grow in heavy clay soil, with full sun and no additional water. (Due to the elevation, this area does get up to ~30 of snow/rain each year, but the ground dries like a brick as soon as the rains stops.)

Any other suggestions for 1-6″ high native ground cover for full sun for expansive southwestern facing slopes? I try not to use cultivars of natives, as I live in the chaparral which has many of these species. Looking for a ground cover that should be here already. I’ve tried a local mat-like Ceanothus which I will call pine mat. Bear clover grows here too, but too tall. Silene sp. doesn’t seem to form mats. I like the height and cover of non-native Veronica sp and Thymus sp. ground covers as they are really really low and grow in full sun (with water and better soil), but would like to find a California native of the local Sierra Foothills. I can irrigate with drip in some areas.

Have fun with the garden.