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Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'
Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'
Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'

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Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'

(Spreading California Purple Sage or Spreading California Gray Sage) Songbirds love this California native as do honeybees and hummingbirds. This Salvia leucophylla clone was collected in 1982 by Dr. Dale Smith of University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB #82152) at Point Sal near Santa Barbara.

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. Spreading California Purple Sage or California Grey 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 - 10
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 24"+/72"+/36"
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. 6 feet plus
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  • Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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Blue Tag Plant
This plant is sensitive to overwatering and wet soils.
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(Spreading California Purple Sage or Spreading California Gray Sage) Songbirds love this California native as do honeybees and hummingbirds. This Salvia leucophyllaclone was collected in the wild and close to the ocean at Point Sal near Santa Barbara. Heat and drought tolerant, it also withstands direct ocean spray.  This plant has no rival as a large scale ground cover or bank cover for areas that are dry in summer.

Commonly known as Purple Sage for its flowers or Gray Sage for its silvery, velvety, foliage, this hardy salvia is highly regarded for attracting small wildlife including songbirds, which love its tasty seed and the insects it attracts. The Point Sal variety is shorter and spreads further than the species.

However, similar to the species, the Point Sal plant is well known for being highly aromatic and growing into a dense, silvery mound with fragrant flowers that last from late winter to spring. It loves full sun and well-drained soil.

This variety has a broader range than the species, because it grows well in Zone 10 along with Zones 8 and 9. Being cold hardy to at least 15 degrees F, it is worth trying in some Zone 7 areas. All this hardy sage requires is well-drained soil and full sun.

We would use this shrub in the landscape even if it didn't flower, because its long, fuzzy, gray-green leaves with serrated edges are so appealing. Aside from being a great large-scale groundcover that takes minimal care, it is also a handsome screen or grand border plant for dry gardens.