Santa Barbara sage has silvery foliage and pale purple flowers that draw hummingbirds and butterflies through fall and into early winter. Once established, it asks very little—no water fussing, no pruning obsession, just lean soil and elbow room.

Plant where it catches morning light and has good air circulation; this one despises wet feet. In Alabama heat it thrives, and the airy branching works as well in a border as spilling over a rock wall or raised bed.