Hyptis emoryi

Sunset

Hyptis emoryi, photo courtesy of Scott Calhoun

Click to Enlarge

Zones 8-14, 18-24

Full

Moderate, Minimal

Desert Lavender

Evergreen, Shrubs

Covered with woolly gray leaves to conserve moisture in its native Southwest deserts, this erect or spreading shrub grows 6–10 ft. tall and wide. Its roundish leaves have scalloped and toothed edges. Numerous tiny blue-violet flowers crowd into short spikes near branch ends; they can appear anytime, but bloom is heaviest in spring. Plant gives off a pleasant lavenderfragrance following rains or when brushed. May die back to roots at about 25°F (–4°C). Needs excellent drainage. Drought-tolerant but looks better with irrigation. Prune freely to control size and shape. ‘Silver Lining’ is slightly more narrow and upright, with silvery white leaves and purple-flushed stems.