Salvia leucophylla
purple sage
California and northern Baja California
Overview
Salvia leucophylla is an aromatic evergreen shrub in the mint family, growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and spreading as wide or wider. The arching stems carry opposite, lance-shaped leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, gray-green above and densely white-woolly beneath, releasing a strong scent when bruised. From spring into early summer it bears whorls of two-lipped flowers in interrupted spikes, ranging from pink to lavender, each whorl set off by purplish bracts. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds. After bloom the stems hold dry seed heads through summer. Native to the coastal ranges of southern and central California, it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral on dry slopes. It withstands drought and lean, fast-draining soil but is short-lived and prone to root rot where summer water collects. The roots and leaf litter release compounds that suppress germination of nearby grasses and herbs, leaving open ground around established plants.
Native Range
Salvia leucophylla is native to the coastal and inland ranges of central and southern California, with populations extending into northern Baja California, Mexico. It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral below about 3,000 feet (900 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in dry gardens, native plant landscapes, and on slopes for erosion control in mild-winter regions. It supports bees and hummingbirds in habitat plantings. The aromatic gray foliage suits Mediterranean and coastal sage scrub plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Bloom Information
Pink to lavender flowers open from spring into early summer, roughly April to June. The whorled flower spikes develop from the base of the stem upward over several weeks. In dry years bloom is shorter and lighter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to lavenderFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Salvia leucophylla in full sun and sharp-draining sandy or rocky soil. It withstands extended drought once established and declines in heavy, wet, or frequently irrigated ground, where root rot sets in. Summer water is kept minimal, matching its dry-season dormancy. Light feeding is enough, as rich soil produces lax, short-lived growth. Plants are cut back by up to a third after flowering to limit legginess, with cuts kept out of bare old wood, which regrows poorly. Hardiness extends to about USDA zone 8.Pruning
Cut stems back by up to one third after flowering to keep the shrub compact, taking care not to cut into leafless old wood. Light shaping is done in early spring before new growth. Hard renewal cuts into bare wood often fail to resprout.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons