Sage, Pitcher (Salvia spathacea) potted plant, organic

Family:  Mint (Lamiaceae)

Hardy to Zones 9 to 12

(Hummingbird Sage, Pitcher Sage) Evergreen, clumping  perennial flowering to 2 feet.  Native to the California Central Valley and Southern California.  Easily one of the most sought-after sages worldwide, the plant is pineapple aromatic and covered with oil glands.  The very robust flowering cola can be as thick as your wrist. The flowers occur in thick whorls–elongated, magenta, and highly attractive to hummingbirds and pheonix moths.  Plant prefers sun to part shade, moderate water.  The plant thrives in the dry shade of oaks or pines.  Seeds 3-5 times larger than most sage species (e.g. S. officinalis, S. apiana) and quite rare in the trade. Sow in fast-draining mix.  Barely cover, tamp securely, and keep evenly moist and warm until germination.  Work up in pots and transplant out when sufficiently sized. Space plants 2 feet apart.  If happy, they will spread to cover the interstices, and can become a monotypic patch.   I find that these can also be kept in pots but they do not like to be allowed to dry out if in pots.  Space plants 1 to 2 feet apart.

Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown