(Salvia pachyphylla) SAL-vee-ah pah-KIF-ill-lah Genus:  Salvia Giant-flowered purple sage has been winning over gardeners the past few years for its remarkable summer blooms and tough-as-nails demeanor. Native to the dry foothills and mountains of southern California, this sage is considered a woody shrub. It features showy, aromatic silver foliage and bicolored flower spikes with lavender-purple calyces and long, hummingbird-pollinated blue flowers. It grows from 24 to 36 inches high. Care:  Provide full sun and well-drained, infertile, alkaline soil. Lightly prune after flowering. Propagation:  Divide plants in early spring, or take cuttings of newer growth anytime. Problems:  Infrequent.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Foliage, Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Blue, Purple Foliage Color Silver/Grey Uses Beds and Borders Style Cottage Garden, Desert Garden, Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs