The purple sage, botanically known as Leucophyllum frutescens, is an evergreen shrub that is drought tolerant and has history as a medicinal plant, according to Floridata.com. It has interesting foliage, a hardy growing habit, and is a flowering plant in many different color shades.
The Leucophyllum frutescens can grow 5 to 8 feet tall when in a watered environment or grow 3 to 5 feet tall in a desert-like environment. Depending on your conditions and your watering habits, it will likely vary between 3 and 8 feet in height. It is a compact shrub with felt-like leaves that are oval. Foliage can be green or silvertone depending on cultivar that is selected. Flowers are tubular and have spotted throats. Blooms are often white, purple, blue, lavender or pink depending on cultivar. It blooms after a rain in the summer season.
Purple sage should be planted in full sun in gravel soils. It tolerates drought, partial shade, freeze, salt, wind, and varying pH levels. However, it does not tolerate rich soil, compost, or fertilizer. Make sure the soil is well-drained as it will flounder in moist soils after it is established. Propagate by seed by just putting seed right under the soil without cover. Purple sage is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 7 through 10.
Purple Sage Garden Uses
This particular plant does well in containers. It can be a border plant or a screen around the boundaries of the landscape. Use it to accent a patio or porch while in a brightly colored pot, or sit along a driveway for a different look. I’ve seen purple sage be put in the center of the back of a garden half-circle plot next to fences with other brightly colored annuals and perennials adorning it.
Leucophyllum frutescens has its leaves and flowers dried to make a medicinal tea. This tea is believed to help colds and flu symptoms as well as being a mild relaxant to help with sleep issues, according to Volusia.
Purple sage is a nice splash of color in a water wise garden. After establishing the seed, it grows slowly but easily without too much worry from gardeners. It is a great inclusion in a desert garden plot. Before using it medicinally, please check with your doctor as herbal remedies have no regulation in the pharmaceutical market and should never be taken without medical advice.
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