Lepechinia spp.

pitcher sage

Americas, from California to the Andes

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Lepechinia spp. is a genus of about 40 aromatic shrubs and subshrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), distributed through the Americas from California and Mexico south to the Andes. Plants are typically soft-wooded shrubs 0.5-2 m (1.6-6.5 ft) tall, with square stems and grey-green to deep green leaves that are wrinkled, hairy, and strongly aromatic when touched. The flowers are tubular and two-lipped, white, pink, lavender, or purple, set in a bell- or pitcher-shaped calyx that enlarges as the seed develops. L. calycina, pitcher sage, grows in California chaparral, while other species occur in cloud forest and montane scrub farther south. Flowering occurs mainly in spring and early summer. The genus grows on dry slopes, in open woodland, and along forest edges, and most species tolerate summer drought once established. The aromatic foliage is generally left alone by deer and other browsers. As soft-wooded shrubs, plants can become open and woody with age, and cold tolerance varies widely across the genus from frost-tender to moderately hardy.

Native Range

Lepechinia spp. is native to the Americas, ranging from California and the south-western United States through Mexico and Central America to the Andes of South America. Plants grow in chaparral, montane scrub, and forest margins.

Suggested Uses

Grown in dry gardens, on slopes, and in native and water-wise plantings in mild climates. The aromatic foliage and tubular flowers suit informal borders and wildlife gardens, with plants spaced 0.6-1 m (2-3 ft) apart.

How to Identify

Recognized by square stems and wrinkled, hairy, strongly aromatic leaves, with a sage-like scent when bruised. The tubular two-lipped flowers sit in an enlarged bell- or pitcher-shaped calyx that persists and swells around the ripening seed. Plants form soft-wooded, somewhat sprawling shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'8" - 6'7"

Width/Spread2' - 5'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is mainly in spring and early summer, with timing depending on climate and elevation. The tubular flowers open over several weeks and are followed by the inflated calyces holding the nutlets. Some species flower again lightly after summer rain.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, pink, lavender, or purple

Foliage Description

grey-green to deep green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam rocky sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to part shade and require well-drained soil, tolerating dry, rocky, and low-fertility ground. Established shrubs are drought tolerant and need little summer water, and overwatering shortens their life. Light feeding and lean soil keep growth firm rather than soft and floppy. Cold hardiness ranges from tender to about -7 C (20 F) depending on species, so siting reflects local frost. Plants can be cut back in late winter to limit woodiness.

Pruning

Cutting back by up to a third in late winter or after flowering keeps plants compact and reduces bare, woody bases. Spent flower stems can be removed to tidy the plant. Hard cutting into old leafless wood is slow to regrow.