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Salvia apiana (White Sage)

White Sage, California White Sage, Bee Sage, Sacred Sage

Salvia apiana, White Sage, California White Sage, Native Sage
Salvia apiana, White Sage, California White Sage, Native Sage

A most dramatic salvia, Salvia apiana (White Sage) is a bushy evergreen sub-shrub boasting wholly silvery white, elliptical leaves, 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm). The foliage is strongly aromatic and emits a powerful sage fragrance when bruised. Native people use the dried leaves as incense for ceremonial purposes. In spring, impressive wands of white flowers with tiny lavender spots are on display. The flower stems can rise up to 6 ft. (180 cm) above the plant, exploding in all directions. Each flower spike can bear up to 100 blossoms. The blossoms attract hummingbirds and insects such as carpenter bees and bumblebees. Native to southern California and Baja California, White Sage is valued for its evergreen habit, prominent silvery white foliage, and spectacular flower spikes. A strong focal point for the dry or water-wise garden, it is also reflective with the moon and night lighting.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall and wide (90-150 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in a wide range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. Thrives in poor soils. Water once per month during summer. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Easy to grow, and fairly disease-free, it is deer-resistant.
  • Great for banks and slopes, hedges, and groundcovers.
  • Flower stalks may be removed after flowering.
  • Propagate by divisions, rooted sections, or seed sown outdoors in early fall.
  • Native to southern California and Baja California.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow salvia successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, White Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" - 60"
(120cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ (Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Pink (Sage)
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Sage)
Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’ (Rosy-Leaf Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Orange (Sage)
Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Red’ (Scarlet Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)

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Salvia (Sage)
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Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)
Salvia guaranitica (Blue Anise Sage)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, White Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 48" - 60"
(120cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
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Compare Now

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