Grey Sage

By Jutta Thoerner   UCCE Master Gardener

Salvia leucophylla

Planting Zone:    7-10

Size:    3 to 6 foot tall, width: spreading habit depending on water and age 2 feet plus.

Bloom season:  light purple blossoms from May to July

Exposure: sun.

Pruning needs:  none.

Water needs: Low; once established.

Narrative: This evergreen shrub has attractive grey, fragrant foliage and is a good fit for slopes, butterfly or sage gardens. Abundant fragrant purple flowers are visited by bees, humming birds and of course butterflies.  It thrives in heavy soil and manages in sandy soil. Quail love its seeds. This Sage is native from Santa Maria to Baja. Why we love this Sage: It is tough, tolerates some frost, most soils, drinks little to no water and will easily self-root from branches; ideal for do it yourself propagation.