Lepechinia calycina (White Pitcher Sage)

Native to California, Lepechinia calycina (White Pitcher Sage) is an aromatic, evergreen shrub boasting open racemes of tubular, white to pale lavender flowers in mid-spring to early summer. Fragrant, each flower, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), features 5-fused petals rolled back at the tips and a cup-like calyx of sepals which are green at first and mature to reddish purple. Rich in nectar, the blossoms are visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. They are followed by small dry fruits, dark and slightly hairy. The flowers stand out against the foliage of opposite, lance-shaped to oval leaves adorned with toothed margins. Hairy and sticky, the leaves are strongly aromatic. Growing in chaparral and foothill woodlands, White Pitcher Sage makes a good background plant or screen. Heat tolerant and fairly deer resistant.

• Grows up to 8 ft. tall (240 cm) and 6 ft. wide (180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Needs occasional water, 3 times a month in summer once established.
• Perfect for beds and borders, hedges, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and hummingbird gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Prune to keep tidy and remove dead branches. Tolerates heavy pruning.
• Propagate by seed. Hot water treatment, then 3 months of stratification may improve germination.
• Native to California.