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Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta
Salvia apiana var. compacta

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Salvia apiana var. compacta

(Compact Sacred White Sage) Salvia apiana var. compacta is significantly shorter than the common species of Sacred White Sage and somewhat more cold tolerant. Its smaller leaves and compact form make it a tidier choice for home gardens with the right kind of growing conditions.

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. Compact 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. 36"/36"/42"
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. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia apiana var. compacta
  • Salvia apiana var. compacta
  • Salvia apiana var. compacta
  • Salvia apiana var. compacta
  • Salvia apiana var. compacta
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.
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This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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(Compact Sacred White Sage) Salvia apiana var. compacta is significantly shorter than the common species of Sacred White Sage and somewhat more cold tolerant. Its smaller leaves and compact form make it a tidier choice for home gardens with the right kind of growing conditions.

Like its full-size relative, Compact Sacred White Sage is a magnet for bees and hummingbirds. We’ve heard that quail and native birds love its seeds.

Stiff and almost fleshy, the leaves of S. apiana var. compacta are tight rosettes of brilliant, silvery green that is almost white. The flower spikes rise above the foliage, with hundreds of small white-to-lavender flowers.

All forms of S. apiana are an important herb to indigenous Californians, who use it in smudge bundles for blessing ceremonies. Historically, they also used it for basket weaving, food, and medicine. We sometimes burn a leaf in our home to sweeten and purify the air.

Compact Sacred White Sage has a broader range than the common form of S. apiana. The compact form is adaptable to the greater moisture of coastal Northern California as well as its drier Southern California homelands, which range roughly from Santa Barbara to Northern Baja, Mexico.

All types of S. apiana grow slowly and are difficult to cultivate outside their native range where they usually grow on rocky south slopes. They require good drainage and full sun as well as a Mediterranean-style, dry-summer/wet-winter climate. Little watering is necessary once these plants get established.

Sacred White Sage is one of the most important sources of pollen and nectar for pollinators along Southern California's coast and in its mountains and valleys. This is a powerful species, and the compact form is particularly beautiful.