Description

Purple sage is one of California’s most attractive and adaptable sages. This California endemic is found along the coast and in coastal mountains from Monterey County to San Diego County. The leaves are narrow and a soft gray-green. The abundant flowers of early spring are lavender. Purple sage grows in a mounding, spreading form which is quite dense. ‘Amethyst bluff’ is a coastal selection from Santa Barbara County displaying a particularly rich flower color and density of foliage. There seems to be some confusion about the mature height of this selection. Carol Bornstein, who made the selection, lists 3-5 feet in California Native Plants for the Garden. ‘Amethyst bluff’ does quite well in Santa Clara County with full sun and at least fairly well-draining soil. Provide adequate room for lateral growth.