Mexican Bush Sage

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

The Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is a striking, long-blooming perennial prized for its velvety purple and white flowers and soft, gray-green foliage. This drought-tolerant variety is perfect for adding color, movement, and pollinator appeal to garden beds, borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

Mexican Bush Sage is known for its arching stems covered in fuzzy, bicolor flower spikes, typically deep purple with white or lavender corollas. Blooming from late summer through fall, it attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Its elegant, airy habit makes it a standout choice for adding texture and height to landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water moderately.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to low humidity levels.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (grown as an annual in cooler climates).

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: A top choice for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Garden Borders: Adds height, texture, and season-long color.
• Containers & Patio Planters: Thrives in large pots with well-draining soil.

Low Maintenance Care

Mexican Bush Sage is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives with occasional watering and pruning to encourage continuous blooming.

• Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
• Pruning: Cut back after blooming to maintain a tidy shape and promote new growth.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Propagation: Easily propagated from softwood cuttings.

Why Choose Mexican Bush Sage?

With its velvety blooms, long flowering season, and pollinator-friendly nature, Mexican Bush Sage is a fantastic addition to any sunny landscape.

• Elegant Growth Habit: Adds movement and texture to garden designs.
• Attracts Pollinators: A favorite among hummingbirds and bees.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond regular watering and pruning.
• Versatile Placement: Ideal for borders, containers, and wildlife gardens.

For those looking to add a vibrant, pollinator-attracting perennial to their garden, Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is an exceptional choice.