You are here    Flowers by the Sea / Salvias A to Z / Salvia microstegia
Salvia microstegia
Salvia microstegia
Salvia microstegia
Salvia microstegia

How to prune this plant

Salvia microstegia

(Mount Hermon Sage) This dry loving perennial features a tight rosette of furry white leaves, and tall branched inflorescence with white flowers and purple spots. It grows in rocky slopes on Mount Hermon in Lebanon.
Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Mount Hermon Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 9 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 12"/18"/36"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Well drained
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average to minimal
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 1 to 2 feet
High Resolution Images
  • Salvia microstegia
  • Salvia microstegia
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
Details
Send to friend
Cultural Icons
(Mount Hermon Sage) This dry loving perennial features a tight rosette of furry white leaves, and tall branched inflorescence with white flowers and purple spots.  It grows in rocky slopes on Mount Hermon in Lebanon.

The climate in its native haunts is moderate and during the cooler months there is regular rainfall.  We have had success growing this species with ample water during the rapid spring and summer growth, with less water after flowering.  Well drained mineral soils are the safest bet.

Not much is known about the winter hardiness of Salvia microstegia, because it's range in the wild has not been well established.  It has been reported at high elevations in Iraq in the Elburz mountains.  We've listed it as Zone 9 hardy, but it may be much more tolerant of cold winters.

Thank you to Dr Ori Fragman-Sapir, Scientific director of the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens for the wonderful pictures of this sage in habitat.