Purple sage, also known as salvia, is a bushy perennial native to the desert regions of the western United States. Used to sandy, poor soil, it requires little maintenance and is perfect for filling in areas where most other plants would die. Also referred to as desert sage, this woody, upright, perennial shrub makes the perfect addition to xeriscape landscapes and desert-style rock gardens where other plants struggle to survive.
 
In the right conditions, this species is hardy, easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance. They do, however, need excellent drainage and hot and dry conditions to thrive.
 
The showy deep blue flowers of this plant bloom in late spring and remain through much of the summer. They are best planted in spring or early summer and are fast-growing. They are magnets for pollinators, and your garden can become a butterfly lover's paradise. The purple bracts and semi-evergreen gray foliage also add a further splash of color throughout the year (although you should expect some leaf drop in colder winter conditions). The highly aromatic leaves that have mild hallucinogenic properties have traditionally been used by Native Americans in herbal medicine and for tribal ceremonies.
 
Soil
Purple sage suits areas with poor quality, infertile soil. They don't appreciate rich, acidic, or irrigated conditions. In fact, they often do better growing from a mound of sand or gravel if the soil in your garden is slightly richer. If you don't have a fast-drying, well-draining soil, it would be better to plant your purple sage in containers to ensure they get the drainage they need.
 
Water
Once purple sage is established, it needs little to no watering, even in the summer months. These plants are an incredibly drought-tolerant species, and this is what makes them such a perfect choice for desert gardens where very few other flowering plant species can survive.Overwatering can shorten the life expectancy of your purple sage. The plant will be less healthy, and it can suffer from root rot.