Mexican Bush Sage

Mexican Bush Sage, or Salvia leucantha, is a perennial shrub known for its striking and long-lasting blooms. Native to Mexico and Central America, it has become a favorite in gardens for its ornamental value and ease of care.

The most notable feature of Mexican Bush Sage is its unique and showy flowers. The plant produces dense, velvety spikes of purple calyces with white or light purple flowers from late summer through fall. These long-lasting blooms add a dramatic splash of color to the garden and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

In addition to its beautiful flowers, Mexican Bush Sage has attractive foliage. The leaves are long, narrow, and a soft green color, creating a lush backdrop for the vibrant flower spikes. The plant has an upright, slightly sprawling growth habit, making it an ideal choice for borders, herb gardens, and as a specimen plant.

Mexican Bush Sage thrives in well-drained soil and is quite drought-tolerant once established. It prefers a sunny location to produce the most abundant and vibrant blooms. In cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual or can be brought indoors during winter.

This sage variety is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and pruning. Cutting back the plant in late winter or early spring can help maintain its shape and encourage more vigorous blooming.

Overall, Mexican Bush Sage is appreciated for its stunning flowers, ease of care, and adaptability to a range of garden settings. Its ability to provide long-lasting color and attract wildlife makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of the tropics to their landscapes.