Quick Digs is a series containing short posts focused on a central issue. The topic for the first series is Salvia groundcovers for weed control. This is the fifth article.

With a nod to Hollywood’s Terminator and an eye on weeds, we're back. But this time we’re suggesting colorful, efficient, weed-zapping groundcovers for the warmer winter climes of USDA Zones 7 to 9.

All four of these plants are drought resistant. On average, none grow taller than 2 feet; one spreads up to 8 feet wide. The plant with the narrowest width, Flower Child Mountain Sage, is a prolific bloomer that can spread bright pink cheer across your garden.

Bee's Bliss Sage (Salvia x Bee's Bliss) Zones 7 to 9.

• Lavender flowers bloom winter into spring
• 24 inches tall, 96 inches wide
• Gray-green, matting foliage
• Attracts honeybees and hummingbirds

Sinaloan Blue Sage (Salvia sinaloensis) Zones 7 to 9.

• True blue flowers bloom summer to fall
• 12 to 18 inches tall, 24 inches wide
• Deep green-to-purple, veined foliage
• Deer resistant, as are most Salvias

Flower Child Mountain Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Flower Child') Zones 7 to 9.

• Lavender-to-pink flowers bloom spring to fall
• 18 to 24 inches tall, 18+ inches wide
• Heavily veined, aromatic foliage
• Attracts butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds

Questions?
We always welcome calls and email asking for advice or plant availability. So, please contact us. We'll do our best to help you terminate pesky weeds by suggesting powerful Salvias for wherever you live.