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White Sage

Salvia apiana

In stock

1 gallon; 2-3 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

5-8'x1-6'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

White

Spring

Shape when young if needed. Remove old flower stalks

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

White sage is a stunning aromatic shrub, with soft, silver-white leaves, and clusters of white flowers with lavender streaks that bloom in spring. Young leaves start off green and turn white as they get older. It can be from 3 ft' to 8 ft' in height and spreads to about 6 ft' in width.
White sage also known as sacred sage, is deeply rooted in the cultures and lifeways of indigenous communities of Southern California and northern Baja, the only region this sage naturally occurs in the world.
It is also an important food source for bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. Larger bees, notably carpenter bees, are the predominant pollinators of white sage.
Wild white sage populations are currently under intense threat by development, smudge stick poaching, climate change, drought, and wildfire.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.