Salvia apiana aka White Sage

Taxonomy

Salvia apiana, also known as white sage, bee sage, or sacred sage, is a highly sought after evergreen perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It thrives in the coastal sage scrub habitat of Southern California and Baja California, and can also be found on the western edges of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Despite being considered a difficult plant to grow, the hard work is worth it as white sage is highly valued for its delicious edible leaves, exotic desert vibe, and charming white to lavender flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. White sage can be identified by its light-colored, oily hairy leaves and pinkish stems, and typically reaches a height of just under 4 feet and 10 inches (1.5 m). As a houseplant, white sage requires regular watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light that is less than 1 foot from a window. For optimal growth, it is recommended to use well-draining soil and repot the plant each time it doubles in size, eliminating the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

White Sage

How to care for White Sage

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, White Sage is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

White Sage should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Sage loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

White Sage requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your White Sage is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for White Sage to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the White Sage. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the White Sage should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

White Sage’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia