Species Mexican bush sage

Mexican bush sage

Salvia leucantha

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is an attractive evergreen flowering shrub. It grows to a height of 2-4 feet, and blooms with stunning purple stalks of tubular white flowers for a beautiful wildlife-friendly addition to any garden. The foliage is composed of medium-green ovate leaves, with an aromatic pungency that wafts in the breeze. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making it a helpful addition to any garden seeking to attract fauna. Mexican Bush Sage is drought-tolerant and hardy, making it a low-maintenance shrub for water-conscious gardeners.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

White with purple calyx Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) should be watered every 1-2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. During warmer months, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil evenly moist. During cooler months, water every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate several inches into the soil. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and do not allow the plant to sit in water for extended periods of time.

sunlight

Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) requires full sun exposure throughout the day in order to perform at its best. This plant does best in USDA Hardiness Zones 8–10 and should be exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. Mexican bush sage plants thrive in hot weather and can tolerate temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In cooler climates, the plant can benefit from afternoon shade. Mexican bush sage may reach its peak when exposed to up to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

pruning

Mexican bush sage should be pruned in late winter or early spring for most areas. It is important to prune the plant after it is established, and before the new growth emerges. This will help promote bushier growth rather than long, leggy stems. In order to prune Mexican bush sage, begin by removing any dead or damaged stems or leaves. Ensure that any pruning is done with clean and sharp pruning shears. Prune stems that are too tall or wide, as well as those crossing in the center and competing for light. Reduce the overall size of the shrub by removing 1-third to 1-half of the stems. This will also help to rejuvenate the plant and promote healthier growth. Make sure to remove the filaments, or small, vertical hairs, that can make the sage look untidy. Prune Mexican bush sage once a year to maintain its desired shape and ensure it remains healthy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Mexican bush sage typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Mexican bush sage typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map