About
Lepechinia hastata, the pakaha, is an evergreen shrub to 1.5 m with aromatic, arrow-shaped, grey-green, felted leaves to 30 cm long. Tall spikes of purple-magenta, tubular flowers are borne in summer. A bold and ornamental sage-like shrub for a sunny, well-drained, sheltered garden.
About the genus
Lepechinia are sage-like aromatic shrubs and herbaceous perennials with felted or hairy leaves and whorled spikes of tubular flowers. Grown in sunny, well-drained, sheltered gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toMexico
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny, sheltered position in any well-drained soil; protect from excessively wet winter conditions
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or from semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free