Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla)

Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can become a mounding form up to five feet tall, or a spreading form up to 10 feet wide and only 2  feet tall, which makes a great ground cover.  The leaves are gray green and in spring and summer large spikes bear whorls of purple flowers with a strong scent. Purple sage grows in full sun and is amazingly drought-tolerant but can take light water up to twice per month in the summer, which will keep it looking a little greener. Though it prefers well-draining soil, it is tough and easy to grow. The highly aromatic flowers attract a variety of birds and insects, with several butterflies and moths hosted. From Calscape.

Growers: Larner Seeds

Other Names Used: San Luis Purple Sage

Family: Lamiaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (April to July)

Bloom Color(s): Purple, Lavender

Plant Height: 2-5 feet tall

Plant Width: 3-10 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats

Ecological Functions:

• Groundcover
• Hedge
• Bank Stabilization

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Sage Scrub

Human Uses/Cautions: Medicinal

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None