White Sage Bareroot Plant – Salvia apiana
$12.00
Sacred Smudging Herb | Silver Aromatic Foliage | Purifying Perennial
Over the winter season we can post bare rooted plants which is significantly cheaper to post. Over the rest of the year these are sent in pots.
Grow Your Own Sacred White Sage
Add the beautiful and revered White Sage to your garden with these bare-root crowns. This striking perennial features silvery-white, velvety leaves and a strong, clean, camphor-like aroma. In summer it sends up tall spikes of white to pale lavender flowers that are highly attractive to bees and pollinators.
White Sage is a classic plant for smudging, spiritual cleansing, and traditional herbal use. It also makes a beautiful drought-tolerant addition to herb gardens, rockeries, and sunny borders.
Why Grow White Sage?
- Beautiful silvery foliage with strong traditional aroma
- Produces your own supply of smudging leaves
- Drought tolerant and low-maintenance once established
- Highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects
- Ornamental and functional
- Spiritual and ceremonial plant with deep cultural significance
Ideal for New Zealand: Best grown in sheltered, sunny spots.
Only 1 left in stock
Description
Traditional & Medicinal Uses
White Sage has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples of North America and is now widely respected worldwide:
- Smudging & Cleansing: The dried leaves are the gold standard for smudge sticks — used for clearing negative energy, purifying spaces, people, and objects.
- Respiratory Support: Traditionally used for colds, coughs, sinus congestion, and sore throats (as tea or steam inhalation).
- Antimicrobial & Oral Health: Strong antibacterial properties. Used as a mouthwash for gum health and throat infections.
- Digestive & Calming: Mild support for digestion and nervous tension.
- Other Uses: The leaves make lovely natural incense and potpourri.
Note: A sacred and powerful herb. For smudging and external/spiritual use it is very safe. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before internal medicinal use, especially if pregnant or on medication.
How to Grow White Sage Crowns
Planting:
- Plant crowns in spring after frost risk.
- Set crowns just below soil level, spacing 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart.
- Water well after planting.
Soil & Care:
- Prefers very well-drained, poor to average, sandy or gravelly soil. Excellent drainage is essential.
- Full sun.
- Very drought tolerant — water sparingly once established. Overwatering is the main cause of failure.
- Trim lightly after flowering to keep plants bushy.
Growth & Harvest:
- Height: 60–120 cm (24–48 inches)
- Spread: 60–90 cm
- Blooms: Summer (white to pale lavender spikes)
- Harvest: Pick leaves and stems for drying throughout the growing season. Best quality for smudging before or just after flowering.
- Tender to heavy frost — mulch well or grow in large pots for winter protection in cooler areas.
White Sage is easy to grow with good drainage and plenty of sun.
