Lepechinia ganderi Plant Care
Lepechinia ganderi Epling
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Lepechinia ganderi is a rare species of perennial shrub in the mint family known by the common name San Diego pitcher sage or Gander's pitcher sage. An aromatic plant with white to lavender flowers, this species is only known from southern San Diego County in California and a small portion of Baja California, occurring on chaparral or coastal sage scrub in metavolcanic soils.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Lepechinia ganderi?
Plant Lepechinia ganderi in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Lepechinia ganderi?
Lepechinia ganderi (Lepechinia ganderi) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Lepechinia genus.
Lepechinia ganderi displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Lepechinia ganderi produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Lepechinia ganderi?
Water a young or newly planted Lepechinia ganderi every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Lepechinia ganderi Need?
Lepechinia ganderi thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Lepechinia ganderi Prefer?
Lepechinia ganderi tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Lepechinia ganderi prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Lepechinia ganderi?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lepechinia ganderi to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Lepechinia ganderi?
Feed Lepechinia ganderi every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Lepechinia ganderi?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Lepechinia ganderi is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Lepechinia ganderi?
Lepechinia ganderi can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Lepechinia ganderi?
Prune Lepechinia ganderi while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Lepechinia ganderi in Winter?
Lepechinia ganderi is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Lepechinia ganderi?
Lepechinia ganderi can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Lepechinia ganderi Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Lepechinia ganderi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Lepechinia ganderi?
Lepechinia ganderi is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Lepechinia ganderi Need?
Lepechinia ganderi grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Lepechinia ganderi as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Lepechinia ganderi is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Lepechinia genus — compare its care with other Lepechinia species on PlantoScan.
Lepechinia is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.
Lepechinia ganderi thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Lepechinia ganderi Epling, family Lamiaceae (first published in Brittonia 6: 363 (1948)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Lepechinia ganderi, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
