Plant Form: Evergreen sub-shrub
Water Use: Low
Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall x 3-4 ft. wide
Exposure: Full sun, part sun
Bloom Time: Summer (June-Aug), Fall (Sept)
Hardiness: Cold Hardy to < 0°F
Native to: North America
White Sagebrush is grown for its beautiful silver-white foliage. An attractive ground cover, its native range extends from Canada to Mexico. It spreads by underground stems (rhizomes) to create a bushy clump. Although its small yellow flowers are inconspicuous, its silvery, felt-covered foliage is valued to complement neighboring green foliage and is useful in cut flower arrangements or in dried arrangements (dry stems first by hanging upside-down in a dark room). The crushed leaves are wonderfully aromatic, and are resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits. This fast-spreading plant combines well with almost everything, but if it spreads beyond your wishes, soil barriers can be used to keep it inside borders. Although this sage tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, it does require well-drained soils. Shear plants to revitalize them. Use under roses and shrubs, in beds and containers, on slopes, and in butterfly, moonlight, cottage, herb, and rock gardens.
THIS MONTH IN YOUR DESERT-SMART LANDSCAPE
Smart water-wise practices pay off now: Climate-adapted plants + Mulch + Deep Watering = Less water use
- Check irrigation emitters, valves, and line for clogs, leaks, and breaks
- Flush out line by removing end caps with your water system on; sand or deposits that build up in lines can clog emitters
- If you water by hand, leave dripping hose at drip-line or trees and shrubs (at the outer edge or branches) to deeply soak soil once a month; set a time to remind you to move hose to next plant.
- Keep adding to mulches as they decompose to conserve water, keep roots cool, and reduce frequency of watering
- Encourage repeat blooming by pinching or cutting back annuals, perennials and shrubs