Salvia apiana – white sage

Description

Common names: White sage, Californian white sage, bee sage, sacred sage

S. apiana is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a shrubby evergreen perennial with striking silvery white leaves and tall spikes of white and lavender flowers that as its name suggests – apiana – is a magnet for bees. The leaves of white sage are strongly aromatic, and traditionally used by native Americans for ceremonial purposes.

Plants are very hardy and drought tolerant once established. They do best in full sun and prefer well drained soils. Plants will grow to about 1.5 meters tall and 1 meter wide. Flower stems can be much taller up to a meter or more above the foliage. Plants can take awhile to establish, and do not like cold wet winters.

• 1.5 x 1 meter (much taller in flower
• Full sun
• Good drainage
• Drought tolerant
• 1 liter pot