Description
Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha), also known as Mexican Bush Sage, is a beloved perennial shrub valued for its velvety, silver-green foliage and showy spikes of purple and white or lavender flowers. Native to Mexico and Central America, this sage blooms from late summer through fall, adding rich color to gardens when many other plants have faded. The flowers are long-lasting, tubular, and emerge on tall, arching stems, making Mexican Sage especially attractive to pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
Mexican Sage grows to about 3 to 4 feet in height and width, forming a dense, bushy mound that works well in borders, mass plantings, or as a striking focal point. It thrives in full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, though it can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. This plant prefers well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for low-water or xeriscape gardens. While it can handle occasional watering, overly wet conditions should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Low-maintenance by nature, Mexican Sage benefits from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent blooms. Its resilience, vivid color, and attraction to pollinators make it a favorite for adding a natural, wildflower look to landscapes. Mexican Sage’s vibrant hues and soft, fuzzy texture bring a unique visual and tactile appeal to gardens, providing color and interest well into the autumn months.
