Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate very little if at all. Likely hardy to at least down to 10° F. In early summer the larger leaves from winter-spring growth drop, often turning rusty colors first, with the smaller and even whiter foliage remaining as plant goes into drought dormancy - avoid watering at this time. A great flowering accent plant or contrasting foliage plant where you have room. Attractive to bees and hummingbirds.

Salvia 'Desperado' is a hybrid between White Sage, Salvia apiana, and Purple Sage, Salvia leucophylla. It has foliage similar to White Sage but longer and narrower and flowers similar, but larger to those of Purple Sage. It was introduced by Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now California Botanic Garden) in 1998. It is larger and has darker flowers than Salvia 'Oso Falls', a plant of this same parentage that San Marcos Growers introduced in 2003 but after comparing these two plants growing side by side at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden we determined that Salvia 'Desperado' was the more desirable of the two and we continued on only with it. We have continued to offer this large native hybrid sage from 2011 until 2022. 

The information about Salvia 'Desperado' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.