Giant-Flowered Purple Sage (Salvia pachyphylla): Silver Foliage & Bicolor Blooms

Giant-Flowered Purple Sage: California Native with Spectacular Summer Blooms

Salvia pachyphylla from the dry foothills and mountains of southern California is a woody shrub (24–36 inches) winning fans for its remarkable summer blooms and tough-as-nails constitution. It features showy, aromatic silver foliage and bicolored flower spikes with lavender-purple calyces and long, hummingbird-pollinated blue flowers.

Desert Mountain Beauty

• Showy aromatic silver foliage
• Bicolor spikes: purple calyces + blue flowers
• Woody shrub 2–3 feet tall
• Native to southern California mountains
• Requires lean, alkaline, fast-draining soil
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Critical Cultural Needs

• Light: Full sun only
• Soil: Well-drained, infertile, alkaline
• Water: Dry to medium
• Maintenance: Low; light prune after flowering

Propagation

Divide in early spring; take cuttings of new growth anytime.

Potential Issues

Infrequent. Very tough in proper conditions.

Quick Reference

Height:	1–3 ft.
Spread:	1–3 ft.
Bloom Time:	Summer (early, late)
Flower Colors:	Blue, purple
Foliage:	Silver/gray, aromatic
Native:	Yes (southern California)
Uses:	Cottage gardens, desert gardens, rock gardens