Woody perennial sage native to central and eastern Mexico, forming a soft mound of arching stems. Produces velvety white or purple bracts with small purple flowers, blooming heavily in fall. Root-hardy in Zone 9b, dying back in hard freezes.

Bloom Time

Late summer through fall

Deciduous / Evergreen

Semi-evergreen

Special Features

Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Deer / Rabbit Resistant, Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Moderate to fast

Growth Habit

Mounded – spreading shrub

Mature Size

3-6 ft tall × 3-6 ft wide

Flower Color

Purple

Foliage Color

Gray-green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden, Specimen / Accent

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Autumn sage, Blackfoot daisy, Desert marigold, Lantana, Red Justicia

Non-toxic

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)

Water: Low to moderate; deep watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings.

Soil: Well-draining soil; tolerates poor, alkaline desert soils. Avoid heavy, wet clay.

Mature size: 3-6 ft tall, 3-6 ft wide

Bloom: Late summer through fall

Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen

Growth rate: Moderate to fast