PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense summer heat in arid, well-ventilated locations
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; highly drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Hardy to -5°C; avoid prolonged frost; thrives in warm, dry Mediterranean climates
Characteristics
- Leaf: Small linear to lanceolate leaves, silvery-gray with dense fine hairs, releasing lavender-sage aroma when crushed
- Flower: Spikes of pale violet to lavender tubular flowers arranged in whorls along upright stems
- Stem: Woody at base, branching, covered in silvery trichomes to reduce water loss
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply once weekly during extended dry spells
Fertilization
Diluted balanced organic feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and deter slugs without introducing odorsPruning
- Prune back by one-third after flowering to maintain compact, mounding shape
- Remove dead wood and damaged stems in early spring to encourage new growth
- Trim spent flower spikes to promote a second smaller bloom later in the season
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; safe for culinary and herbal use in moderate amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Spanish herbal medicine for digestive support; aromatic foliage is harvested for potpourri
Usage: Ornamental garden plant, culinary herb with mild lavender-sage flavor, and source of aromatic essential oil
