The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Salvia pachyphylla

Salvia pachyphylla

SAL-vee-ah pah-KIF-ill-lah Audio

Giant-flowered purple sage has been winning over gardeners the past few years for its remarkable summer blooms and tough-as-nails demeanor. Native to the dry foothills and mountains of southern California, this sage is considered a woody shrub. It features showy, aromatic silver foliage and bicolored flower spikes with lavender-purple calyces and long, hummingbird-pollinated blue flowers. It grows from 24 to 36 inches high.

CareProvide full sun and well-drained, infertile, alkaline soil. Lightly prune after flowering.

PropagationDivide plants in early spring, or take cuttings of newer growth anytime.

ProblemsInfrequent.

  • Genus : Salvia
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Foliage, Showy Foliage
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Flower Color : Pink
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Foliage Color : Silver/Grey
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide