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Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

shrub View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun

Water

very low

Soil

dry, well-drained; poor rocky soils fine

Size

3–8ft tall , 3–6ft wide

Bloom

May-Jul · lavender, white

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

California and Oregon foothills and mountains

Clusters of tubular lavender to white flowers

Medicinal herb; leaves used for respiratory ailments; spreads by rhizomes

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your yerba santa in full sun with fast or medium-draining soil - it thrives in poor, rocky conditions and tolerates a variety of soil types as long as drainage is excellent. Space it with room to spread, since this plant grows via underground rhizomes and can form dense thickets; plant in fall or winter to take advantage of the Bay Area's rainy season. Avoid areas where you'll need to contain it strictly, or plan to manage its spread.

After Planting

Water twice monthly during your first summer to establish the plant, then wean off completely - yerba santa is extremely drought-tolerant once established and needs very little supplemental water. This evergreen shrub requires minimal pruning; the main mistake people make is overwatering, which can rot the roots and kill this drought-adapted plant. Year one, expect slow growth as the plant establishes its root system, and enjoy the white to light purple bell-shaped flowers that appear from May through July.

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