Fragrant Pitcher Sage – Lepechinia fragrans (lep-uh-CHIN-ee-uh FRAY-granz)

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Native to: South Coast, Channel Islands, Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains. Uncommon in

canyons and on north slopes (areas with some shade and water).

Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-6 ft mature width: 4-6 ft

Upright perennial shrub with fuzzy, gray-green foliage. Leaves are pleasantly scented. Lovely plant whether in bloom or not. Becoming rare in nature. Easy to grow.

Blooms/fruits: Attractive pale pink/lavender bell-shaped flowers in clusters at shoot tips in spring-

summer. Flowers attract hummingbirds.

Uses in the garden: Bird and butterfly gardens, scent gardens, wonderful addition to shade gardens.

Consider for back of perennial borders, on shaded banks and open slopes, for xeriscaping. Lovely scent – leaves make a refreshing tea. Place it where you brush against it to release fragrance.

Sensible substitute for: non-native shrubs.

Attracts: butterflies and hummingbirds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Sun or partial shade – afternoon shade or dappled shade is best in hotter gardens

Soil Any texture, including clay

Water Moderate to occasional water

Fertilizer None needed

Other Tolerates deer

Management: modest pruning in late summer – just to trim off dead or rangy growth.

Propagation: from seed: shake seed pods into paper bag to collect seed. May require hot water and/or

cold treatment to germinate From cuttings: likely yes – treat like others in the Mint family. Root cuttings

in water in glass jar.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 8, 12-14 12/6/10 © Project SOUND

Lepechinia fragrans Fragrant pitchersage