purple sage
Salvia dorrii
USDA zones5 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Purple sage (Salvia dorrii) is a shrub for borders, low maintenance gardens, and xeriscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Deep blue flowers rise in long spikes above silvery-gray leaves, and butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. The branches are rigid and often spiny, so plant it where you will not brush against it.
Pairs well with Blue grama, Rock rose, and Prickly-pear.
Native range
AZ, CA, ID, NV, and 3 more places. See all 7
AZ, CA, ID, NV, OR, UT, and WA.