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Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana
Salvia apiana

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Salvia apiana

(Sacred White Sage) Bees, hummingbirds and spiritual blessings are all connected to Salvia apiana, an elegant shrubby sage that is an important herb to indigenous Californians. It deserves a place in salvia gardens that can meet its demands. Stiff and almost fleshy, its leaves are tight rosettes of brilliant, silvery green that is almost white.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Sacred White Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 8 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 48"+/48"+/60"+
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Drought resistant
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 4 to 5 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 4 to 5 feet
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  • Salvia apiana
  • Salvia apiana
  • Salvia apiana
  • Salvia apiana
  • Salvia apiana
Degree of Difficulty
Challenging
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is can be challenging to grow in conditions outside those in which it is found in the wild.
Blue Tag Xeric
Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
Best of Class
Best of Class
We believe this to be the best sage for ceremonial use..
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(Sacred White Sage) Bees, hummingbirds and spiritual blessings are all connected to Salvia apiana, an elegant shrubby sage that is an important herb to indigenous Californians. It deserves a place in salvia gardens that can meet its demands. Stiff and almost fleshy, its leaves are tight rosettes of brilliant, silvery green that is almost white. The flower spikes soar above the foliage, with hundreds of small white-to-lavender flowers that are one of the most important sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators along Southern California's coast and in its mountains and valleys. This Salvia is also one source of leaves for Native American smudge sticks used in purification rituals.

Slow growing and difficult to cultivate outside its native range - roughly Santa Barbara to northern Baja, Mexico - Salvia apiana requires good drainage and full sun. In its Mediterranean-style, dry summer/wet winter range, it usually grows on rocky, south slopes.  Very little water is needed once the plant becomes established.

Our strain of this species is well adapted to the moist environment of coastal Northern California and performs well in a wide variety of dry summer/wet winter climates.  We select only the whitest and most compact plants for vegetative propagation, insuring a tidy shrub that will not overgrow its space.

Historically, Salvia apiana has been used for edible, medicinal, and spiritual purposes as well as in Native American basket weaving.  We sometimes burn a leaf in our home to sweeten and purify the air.  This is a beautiful and powerful plant.