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Desert Lavender

Condea emoryi

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1 gallon; 3 gallon

Desert Lavender

In stock

6-10’X6-10'

Sizes:

Desert Lavender – Condea emoryi
Also known as: Emory’s Condea; Purple Sage (not to be confused with Salvia dorrii or Leucophyllum frutescens)

Condea emoryi is an evergreen, upright shrub native to the hot, dry slopes and rocky washes of the Colorado and Sonoran Deserts, typically up to 3,000 feet in elevation. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and reflected light. Once established, it requires little to no supplemental water, though occasional deep watering will increase flowering.

The plant's soft, gray-green foliage is covered in fine hairs, giving it a silvery appearance and a strong, sage-like fragrance when crushed. From spring through fall, Desert Lavender produces abundant clusters of violet-purple tubular flowers that are highly attractive to a range of pollinators. The opposite leaves have coarsely toothed margins, and the stems remain fragrant year-round. Occasional pruning helps maintain a more compact form.

This striking shrub is ideal for naturalistic desert gardens, pollinator habitats, and restoration plantings, especially in dry streambeds and rocky slopes. It also works beautifully as an informal hedge, foundation plant, or wildlife-supporting backdrop.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Nectar Source: Verified for 18 butterfly species, including:
Becker’s White (Pontia beckerii); Checkered White (Pontia protodice); Sara Orangetip (Anthocharis sara); Loki Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus loki); Bramble Hairstreak (Callophrys dumetorum); Sonoran Blue (Philotes sonorensis); Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus); Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon); Desert Metalmark (Apodemia mormo deserti); California Patch (Chlosyne californica); Henne’s Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona hennei); Arizona Powdered-Skipper (Systasea zampa); Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
Bird Resources: Shelter; Nest Sites
Bird Species: Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

6-10’X6-10'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Winter; Spring; Fall

Pruning:

To shape

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees - can tolerate lower temperatures, but foliar damage can occur or the plant might die back to the roots and regrow in spring

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.