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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae) (Mints) |
| Origin: Canary Islands (Atlantic Ocean) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pale Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Sideritis oroteneriffae (Canary Island White Sage) - Small upright growing evergreen subshrub reaching to 3 to 5 feet tall with stems and thick arrowhead shaped leaves all covered with a velvety white hairs, giving the entire plant a silver-gray look. In summer appear slender arching stems bearing tight clusters of velvety white buds that open to expose small pale yellow flowers - flowers are not really showy but all else about this plant is! Plant in full to part sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to very little (if at all!) Reportedly hardy to around 20 °F and resistant to deer predation. A great low water using plant for the dry, or rock garden and nice in a large container contrasted against darker or red foliage plants. This plant is endemic to Tenerife Island in the Canary Islands where it is found in the higher elevation central area in a pine forest zone. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'sideros' meaning "iron" and is thought to be a reference to the use of such plants in the treatment of wounds caused by swords and other iron weapons though there is some thought that the name is a reference to the shield-like shape of flower sepals. The specific epithet comes from the mountain area of the island of Tenerife - the name Tenerife itself was derived from the Benehaorits (the natives of nearby La Palma) words 'Tene' meaning "mountain" and 'ife' meaning white with the Spanish later adding the connection "r". We got this great plant from Annie's Annuals in Richmond, California in September 2015.
This information about Sideritis oroteneriffae displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate 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 that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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