The Canary Island sage is large and robust mounding shrub that quickly reaches 5-8 ft. tall and up to 10 ft. wide. Distinctive arrowhead shape leaves are pale green; dense hairs occur on the underside of leaves and on stems. Colorful purple flowers and deep magenta calyces develop on tall panicles for a bold display in early to mid spring.

Canary Island sage is both a large and colorful plant. The combination of purple flowers and magenta calyces produce a bold display of color; foliage is a striking silvery-white that provides year round interest. This is a fast growing and short-lived species, that is best suited to background and border areas and as a temporary color accent plant as other parts of the garden mature. Plant in full sun with ample room and in well-drained soils low to very low amounts of water. Heavy pruning is needed to help maintain smaller sizes. However, avoid contact with hairs on leaves and stems. It is hardy to 20°F.