Salvia leucophylla

Salvia leucophylla (Purple Sage) is an aromatic sage native to the southern coast of California and Baja California, with a range stretching from Santa Maria southward, at 50–800 m altitude.

It is a shrub growing up to 1.5 m tall on dry, open hillsides. The leaves are grayish tomentose, 2-8 cm long, with a rugose (puckered) surface. The large spikes bear whorls of purple flowers, 6-13 mm long. The flowers are highly aromatic and attract a variety of birds and insects.

Cultivation

The Purple Sage is widely used in xeriscaping and native plant landscaping in southern California. It is highly drought-tolerant, becoming leggy if watered after it has become established.

Some cultivars include: Salvia leucophylla 'Pt. Sal'
Salvia leucophylla 'Figueroa'
Salvia leucophylla 'Amethyst Bluff'