Description

Fragrant pitcher sage grows in the coastal mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. It is one of only five species that grace California, all but one of which grow south of the Transverse Ranges (“The Grapevine”). Fragrant pitcher sage also grows on several of the Channel Islands. The ‘El Tigre’ selection was taken from the slopes of El Tigre peak on Santa Cruz Island. It grows as an open, somewhat fountain shaped shrub to about six feet, with wide lance-shaped leaves. The leaves are quite fragrant and covered with soft hairs. The new growth of spring will be replaced with smaller leaves as the summer progresses. The lavender flowers are large and tubular, just the right size for bumble bees to access the nectar. Fragrant pitcher sage is best grown in partial shade without supplemental irrigation once established. The ‘El Tigre’ selection is notable for the depth of the flower color.