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Introducing the captivating Salvia leucantha, commonly known as Mexica bush saga! This perennial plant is adored for its spectacular lavender flower spikes that appear in gardens in late summer and early fall. It also produces graceful, tube-shaped white blooms on purple spikes, with slender, arching stems and soft, grayish-green to silvery leaves. This will grow to be about 4 feet tall and has a spread of 6 feet.
Here, we learn everything about this unique plant, as well as some useful tips on growing and taking good care of it.
Plant Description
Plant Type: Perennial
Scientific Name: Salvia leucantha
Family: Lamiaceae
Other Name: Mexican bush sage, Velvet Sage
Season: Summer
Native Area: Central America, Mexico
What is Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) special for?
This Salvia leucantha is a beautiful evergreen plant native to Central America and Mexico. Its long purple spikes and velvety flowers brighten up gardens, especially in summer and early fall. The plant also emits a lovely fragrance. Planting Salvia on garden boards or as a backdrop gives a lively color accent and pairs well with companions like Mexican sunflowers, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.
Varieties of Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)
Salvia leucantha ‘Midnight’
Midnight, also known as Purple Velvet or All Purple, features deep purple calyces and vibrant purple flowers with fuzzy, textured foliage. This can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall and spread 4 to 6 feet wide. It is popular for its compact, dense growth. In Warmer regions, Midnight blooms from spring through fall, although it might be slightly less hardy than the standard variety.
Salvia leucantha ‘Pink Velour’
Pink Velour, or Danielle’s Dream, is a charming variety of Salvia leucantha with delicate pink tubular flowers and striking white calyxes. This plant reaches 3 to 4 feet tall. Although it is rare, Pink Velour is highly desirable. Other names for this lovely variety include ‘FerPink’, ‘Velour Pink’, and ‘Wellington Pink’.
Salvia leucantha ‘White Mischief’
White Mischief is the latest variant of the popular Mexican bush sage. It has long, slender white flower spikes that stand out above its bright green, strap-like leaves. The flower stalks are so full of white fuzz that they almost cover the green leaves. This robust plant can grow up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’
Santa Barbara is a dwarf form of common Mexican Sage, growing 3 feet tall and wide. Its flowers are a deeper purple and have velvety calyces with long rose-lavender petals and silvery green foliage. It looks great in pots or garden beds, especially when mixed with other late-blooming plants.
Growth and Care Tips for Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)
Right location: Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage) thrives in full sun but will tolerate partial sun. If you put it in partial sun, the plant might not grow as full and lush, and its color may become less vibrant.
Soil Preparations: The plant requires fertile, well-drained soil. You can also mix 3-4 inches of organic compost to improve the drainage and add some nutrients to the soil.
Watering: Even though it has some drought tolerance, it will still need to be watered once a week. Especially, during the really hot summer for the growth of strong roots. Let the soil dry out between watering. Avoid excess watering.
Temperature and Humidity: Mexican bush sage does best in the heat and blooms late summer into early fall. It is not hardy below 18°F.
Fertilizer: Provide this plant with a balanced fertilizer in spring when growth begins, which will promote strong development and more blooms.
Pruning: The plant may be pruned 2 to 3 times in spring and summer to make the plant bushy and promote blooming. Remove any dead or damaged stems.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is affected by some pests like whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. So, the plant should always be checked, and a mixture of dish soap with water, neem oil, or soapy water may be sprayed to keep the plants healthy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)
You will not have any difficulty growing new Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) plants from cuttings. Here we provide the steps to propagate:
Take a Cutting: Select a healthy branch from the parent plant. Next, clip off a tip from the stem, 4 to 6 inches in length, using clean and sharp shears.
Prepare the Cutting: If possible, do the cutting below a terminal node and remove the lower half of the leaves. Although this is optional, you can dip the leaf-cutting nodes in growth hormone.
Potting Mix: Fill a pot with a well-draining soil. Using a pencil or stick, simply poke a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage.
Plant the Cuttings: Place the cutting inside the pot and fill up gently around with soil.
Watering and Light: Then, place the pot in a sunny and warm place and water it normally. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
Transplanting: Over the next few weeks, you will begin to see new growth of Salvia leucantha. Let them grow a few inches tall, and move them into big pots before planting them in the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Salvia leucantha?
Salvia leucantha, commonly known as Mexica bush saga, is a perennial plant adored for its spectacular lavender flower spikes.
2. What kind of sunlight does Mexican bush sage need?
Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage) does require full sun for the best color but will tolerate partial sun. If you put it in partial sun, the plant may not be as full and lush.
3. Can Mexican bush sage be grown in containers?
Yes, it can be grown in a container, but make sure that the plant has good drainage and plenty of sun.