Description

This popular sage is thought to be a hybrid between Salvia leucophylla and Salvia clevelandii. It was discovered in the gardens of Rancho Santa Ana in Claremont, CA, in the 1940s. It has been widely planted over the years, favored for its rounded form, silver leaves and lavender flowers. When in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, ‘Allen Chickering’ can grow to five feet, and perhaps six feet when in bloom. It can be “naturalized” in the garden, that is grown without supplemental irrigation, but its appearance at the end of summer might not be acceptable. Infrequent irrigation will improve this.