Dandelion Sage Plant Care

Salvia taraxacifolia Coss. & Balansa

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Salvia taraxacifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is referred to by the common name Dandelion leaved sage and is a herbaceous perennial shrub that is endemic to southwest Morocco, growing in the Atlas Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,000 feet (610 m) to 8,000 feet (2,400 m).

🌿Shrubs🌱Herbs🌼Perennials
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Dandelion Sage?

Plant Dandelion Sage in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Dandelion Sage Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Dandelion Sage?

Dandelion Sage (Salvia taraxacifolia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Salvia genus. Dandelion Sage is native to southwest Morocco, growing in the Atlas Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,000 feet (610 m) to 8,000 feet (2,400 m).

Dandelion Sage displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Dandelion Sage produces colorful spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Dandelion Sage?

Water a young or newly planted Dandelion Sage every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Dandelion Sage Need?

Dandelion Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dandelion Sage Prefer?

Salvia taraxacifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Dandelion Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dandelion Sage?

Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Dandelion Sage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Dandelion Sage?

Feed Dandelion Sage every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Dandelion Sage?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dandelion Sage is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Dandelion Sage?

Dandelion Sage can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Dandelion Sage?

Prune Dandelion Sage while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Dandelion Sage in Winter?

Dandelion Sage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Dandelion Sage?

Dandelion Sage can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sage plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Dandelion Sage Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Dandelion Sage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dandelion Sage?

Dandelion Sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dandelion Sage Need?

Dandelion Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Dandelion Sage is native to southwest Morocco, growing in the Atlas Mountains at elevations ranging from 2,000 feet (610 m) to 8,000 feet (2,400 m). In cooler regions, grow Dandelion Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Dandelion Sage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Salvia genus — compare its care with other Salvia species on PlantoScan.

Salvia is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.

Dandelion Sage thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Salvia Species

Other Salvia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Salvia taraxacifolia Coss. & Balansa, family Lamiaceae (first published in Bull. Soc. Bot. France 20: 253 (1873)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dandelion Sage, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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