Purple Sage

Description

Salvia leucophylla

Purple Sage is commonly found growing on dry, rocky slopes and hillsides along the southern California coast. It forms a large, spreading shrub that reaches 3 to 5 all around, sometimes growing even wider in coastal conditions. In spring, it blooms with whorls of pale purple to rose pink flowers on long inflorescences that hummingbirds cherish. Flowers are not typically a true purple color as the common name may imply. New foliage can have hues of green, before turning a soft grey color and then shrinking and turning silver-grey during the summer months. Plant in full sun to light shade inland. Summer deciduous so it should be watered sparingly over the summer (twice per month) or left to go dormant. Provides erosion control on slopes where it can tolerate clay soil. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a more compact form. Flowers attract a variety of insects and butterflies, and seeds provide food for native birds.