Salvia apiana ‘White Sage’

white sage
Pungent evergreen CA native white sage is fast-growing and drought-tolerant. Tall spires of white-pink flowers in spring-summer draw hummingbirds. Minimal to no water once established.
height 2–4ft
width 4–5ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Drought, Deer , Fog, Gophers, Heat, Pots, Neglect, Wind
water
needs
Low
water
info
Salvia apiana thrives in areas from the coast to the desert edge. They appreciate winter rains and fog drip during the summer, but often respond poorly to heavy summer watering. At a minimum, be sure white sage is dry before watering during summer. Waiting for the lower leaves to shrivel will help ensure you aren’t overwatering. If you choose to withhold summer water entirely, your plant may look sparse or bony by fall, with only a few leaves still vibrant, but it will flush out quickly with rain (or irrigation) in the fall. This is its natural cycle.
hardy
to
10F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Low Needs
origin SW California, NW Baja California Mexico
california
native
Yes
sunset
zones
7–9, 11, 13–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

A short-lived shrub. Minimize irrigation to increase its longevity.
Extraordinarily tall wands of flowers and nearly white foliage set this salvia apart from other native California sages.

Special Interest

Goes with the all-white moon viewing garden, or the high-contrast garden, where it pops amongst dark colors.

Has been poached and over-harvested in habitat for use as incense-like bundles burnt for the scent.