Salvia apiana - White Sage

Salvia apiana has incredible leaves. The leaves of the White Sage are the main attraction. The foliage has is wonderfull pungent and is used for incense, and is very white. White Sage makes a fine plant for a moonlight garden. The foliage grows to 3-4 feet. The flowers an additional 2 feet or more. Bee Sage requires great drainage, and is extremely drought tolerant. I have seen White Sage surviving in garden conditions that I would not think possible due to this drought tolerance, so try it with caution. White Sage will get by just fine on a south facing scree slope and likely in conditions a little less extreme. So whatever we can give it that will help drainage and minimize summer water is for the best. Salvia apiana is not so difficult to start, but to keep Salvia apiana going in a garden setting unless you are blessed with the conditions upon which it thrives is a bit of a trick. The flowers are born on 3' powdery white stalks above the foliage. The small flowers are white with beautiful pale purple markings if you look closely enough. Salvia apiana is a great addition to the Butterfly Garden attracting the Painted Lady, Umber Skipper Butterfly, Coudless Sulfur, the California Dogface, the Sara Orangetip, and the Northern White Skipper