Silver sage is a biennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the Mediterranean, southern Europe, and northern Africa. Grown specifically for its large, white, woolly leaves, which appear in a rosette 6 to 12 inches tall and wide the first year, the plant flowers in the second growing season and then dies after flowering. The species epithet is Latin for “silvery.” Plant silver sage in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. Avoid wet soil, especially in winter. It declines with heat and summer rain. Cutting back the flower stalks when they appear may temporarily delay flowering and the death of the plant. It will self-seed in the garden if left to flower. It may also be propagated by removing lateral root shoots in the spring. It is resistant to drought and deer. Because of its low profile, silver sage’s best use is as a border or in a container. Its brightness works well in a nighttime garden, and its tactile quality makes it excellent for a children’s garden or sensory garden. It works well in cottage gardens or rock gardens. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Slugs and snails are pests. Stem and root rot, powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot may also be problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Salvia .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Often confused withSenecio candicans Angel Wings® 'Senaw'