Lepechinia

( leh - peh - CHIN - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Pitcher Sage, False Sage or Pitcher Plant, this genus of evergreen or semi-deciduous shrubs includes species which need partial shade in warmer climates and little to no water to perform well in the garden. They can reach 6 feet tall and just as wide, and have a rustic, native look to them. Pitcher Sage is native to California, Baja California, and regions of Hawai'i and South America. They produce white to pink or lavender blossoms in spring and summertime. Grow Pitcher Sage in mixed beds and borders in water-wise gardens, in native or pollinator beds, or along pathways so that their fragrant foliage can be enjoyed. They can also be grown as low hedges.

Lepechinia Species and Varietals

The genus Lepechinia includes around species and is a member of the Mint plant family Lamiaceae. Plants in the genus are closely related to those in Salvia, Monarda, and Lavandula. Pitcher Sage grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 7-9 and 14-24 though this can vary depending on the species. For further information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Lepechinia calycina (White Pitcher Sage, Woodbalm, Pitcher Sage)
White Pitcher Sage is endemic to California. These plants have egg-shaped leaves and bloom in late spring. They are fragrant plants, with lance-shaped leaves. Cultivar 'Rocky Point' is a compact garden variety to just 2 feet tall with a spreading habit to 4 feet wide and lavender-colored flowers in springtime. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-10b.

Lepechinia cardiophylla (Heart-Leaved Pitcher Sage, Santa Ana Pitcher Sage)
This semi-deciduous species produces broad, heart-shaped to oval-shaped leaves and is native to southern California and Baja California, Mexico. Individual plants reach three feet tall and five feet wide at maturity and have a moderate growth rate. Flowers are white and tubular.

Lepechinia fragrans (Fragrant Pitcher Sage, Island Pitchersage)
Leaves are furry and greyish green that are squared at the base. This species blooms in spring and summertime, revealing light purple flowers. The species is endemic to California, where it is threatened by fire management activities as well as human development projects. Cultivar 'El Tigre' has intense dark lavender-purple blooms.

Lepechinia ganderi (San Diego Pitcher Sage, Gander's Pitcher Sage)
These aromatic plants produce white to lavender flowers, and are native to California and Baja California, Mexico. It has a limited native range, and is threatened by human development and fire mitigation activities. Individual plants can reach up to 3-5 feet tall and just as wide at maturity.

Lepechinia hastata (Baja Pitcher Sage, Mexican Pitcher Sage, Cape Pitcher Sage, Pakaha, False Salvia, Island Pitcher Sage)
This species of Pitcher Sage grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b or Sunset growing zones 7-9, 14-24 and H1 and is native to Mexico. It spreads via rhizomes and has arrow-shaped leaves and purple-red flowers. Blooms are most profuse in summertime, but these plants will flower sporadically throughout the rest of the year. Plants reach up to 4-6 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide at maturity. This species is considered invasive in Hawai'i (particularly the island of Maui).

Caring for Lepechinia

Plant Lepechinia shrubs in an area that receives full sun. These shrubs prefer soil that is well-draining with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. Although these plants can tolerate some drought when established, they really do better with at least occasional waterings, especially during dry, hot times of the year. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely in between waterings. Apply mulch around the base of the plant to increase soil moisture retention. Although these shrubs don't normally require additional feedings if they are planted in rich, organic-material amended soil, if they are grown in poor soil they may benefit from a yearly feeding with a slow-release balanced fertilizer applied in springtime.

Most pruning activities should be completed in late wintertime or early springtime before the plant has had a chance to send out new growth. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain a compact, tidy shape. These shrubs can be pinched when they are young to encourage a bushier habit. Deadhead as needed to remove spent blooms and discourage reseeding, and lightly prune after flowering to encourage more foliar growth to occur. Lepechinia plants can survive for 3-7 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Lepechinia in Containers
Lepechinia plants are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Pitcher Sage plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Lepechinia can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Lepechinia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Lepechinia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods are left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have browned and dried, they will begin to release seeds on their own. Cut the flower heads off of the plant at this time, and place them in a paper bag while they continue to release their seeds. This process can be helped along a bit by shaking the bag to release more of the seeds. Empty the paper bag, and place the seeds in an airtight container until you are ready to use them.
Lepechinia seeds need to be cold-stratified before being able to germinate. It is best to cold-stratify the seeds for three to six weeks in a fridge, stored in a plastic bag filled with moist peat moss. After they have been stratified, remove the seeds from the refrigerator and plant them.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 5-7 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Lepechinia seeds are held inside the dried calyces once flowers have faded.

Lepechinia seeds (nutlets) are small, dark and round. They have tiny hairs.

Problems and Pests

Certain species (namely Lepechinia hastata) are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Lepechinia shrubs are generally pest and disease-free, but can suffer from a few issues if their roots are in standing water. For information on commonly-encountered pests and diseases of home gardens, consult the following pages:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues