Fragrant pitchersage is an uncommon, woody shrub native to southern California coastal areas and mountains. It has fuzzy, gray-green foliage that releases a pleasant scent when brushed. In spring and summer it produces attractive pale pink bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds. Fragrant pitchersage is easy to grow in partial shade with moderate water, and makes a lovely addition to shade gardens, scent gardens, and as a substitute for non-native shrubs.

1. 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

2. Lepechinia fragrans
Fragrant pitchersage