Description

This hybrid sage was introduced by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA. The parent plants are Salvia apiana and S. leucophylla, both hardy species from southern California. The form is an open, rounded shrub with large lance-shaped leaves very similar to those of S. apiana. The flowers appear in mid-May (at least in San Jose). These are large lavender whorls that contrast wonderfully with the nearly white foliage. After the impressive flower show, ‘Desperado’ salvia will lose its large spring leaves as the summer progresses, replacing them with smaller leaves. This drought adaptation should not elicit summer watering, since this may well kill the plant. ‘Desperado’ slavia can grow quite large, and is a great choice for a naturalized setting with well-draining soil and room for growth.