Contents
Description
Salvia Apiana, commonly known as White Sage, is a perennial evergreen shrub that grows up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which is also known as the mint family. The leaves of White Sage are aromatic and gray-green, and they have a fuzzy texture. This plant produces flowers that are white or lavender, and they bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
Appearance
White Sage has a distinctive appearance due to its gray-green leaves and white or lavender flowers. The leaves are oblong and grow up to 4 inches long. They are covered with fine hairs that give them a fuzzy texture. The flowers grow in whorls on spikes that can be up to 3 feet long. Each flower has two lips, with the upper lip being hooded and the lower lip being three-lobed. The flowers bloom in the summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
White Sage is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: White Sage is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: White Sage does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if desired.- Soil: White Sage prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If the soil is too acidic, you can add lime to adjust the pH.- Sunlight: White Sage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure the plant gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: White Sage is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
White Sage is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common problems that may affect this plant:- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and neem oil.
Habitat
White Sage is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It grows in dry, rocky soils in desert scrub, chaparral, and sagebrush habitats. This plant is an important traditional medicinal plant for many indigenous communities in the region.
Question and Answer
Q: Can White Sage be grown in containers?
A: Yes, White Sage can be grown in containers as long as the container has good drainage and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I prune White Sage?
A: Prune White Sage in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune the plant after it has finished blooming to promote bushier growth.
Q: Is White Sage deer-resistant?
A: Yes, White Sage is deer-resistant due to its strong scent and bitter taste.
Q: Can White Sage be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, White Sage can be propagated from cuttings. Take 3-4 inch cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to White Sage:- Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage)- Salvia Apiculata (Blue Sage)- Salvia Leucophylla (Purple Sage)- Salvia Mellifera (Black Sage)
References
– “Salvia apiana.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. University of Texas at Austin, n.d. Web. 05 Aug. 2021.- “White Sage.” National Park Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 05 Aug. 2021.- “Salvia apiana.” Sunset Western Garden Book. 9th ed. Menlo Park: Sunset Publishing Corporation, 2012. Print.
