Purple Sage

Salvia dorrii

Lamiaceae

• Western Native
• USDA Zone 4-9
• Sun
• Size: 3’ x 3’
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: Somewhat
• Flower Color: Deep blue/purple (May - June)
• Wildlife Value: Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds

Woody shrub with aromatic grey-green foliage and stunning deep blue to purple flowers. Thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils. Height ranges from 4" to 28", depending on site conditions.

Spike-like clusters of bilaterally symmetric flowers bloom from May through June, often persisting on the plant for weeks after pollination. Narrow, lanceolate leaves release an intense but pleasant, mildly intoxicating minty aroma when handled or crushed. The grey-green foliage provides year-round texture in the landscape.

Highly attractive to pollinators including butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds. Serves as a larval host plant for the elegant sphinx moth, making it an essential component of pollinator gardens. Features prominently in Native American traditional medicine practices. Rich in unique chemical compounds including salvidorol and abietane diterpenes.

This can be used as an accent plant in borders, rock gardens, desert gardens, xeriscapes, pollinator gardens, or naturalized plantings. Easy to grow and requires minimal care once established. Tolerates fall pruning to maintain desired shape. Ideal for water-wise landscapes and native plant gardens throughout the Great Basin and western mountain regions.