Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
An upright perennial featuring narrow, lance-shaped grayish-green leaves and prominent velvety flower spikes.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate drought tolerance once established; water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry
- Growth
- Perennial subshrub with an upright, branching growth form, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet with a similar spread
Care instructions
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and allow the soil to dry out partially between watering sessions. Prune back old stems after the growing season to encourage fresh growth.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate drought tolerance once established; water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry
Soil
Well-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10
Growth habit
Perennial subshrub with an upright, branching growth form, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet with a similar spread
Bloom season
Late summer through autumn, producing distinctive purple or white velvety flower spikes
Propagation
Propagated via stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, or by division of established root clumps
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if grown in poorly draining soils; generally resistant to most insect pests
Similar species
Salvia elegans, which features similar foliage structure but is distinguished by bright red flowers and a different fragrance profile