Salvia leucantha

Salvia leucantha

Price range: $4.50 through $12.00

The Velvet Sage of Autumn

When most of the garden begins to fade, Salvia leucantha, known as Mexican bush sage, comes into full glory—spilling over with velvety purple and white blossoms that ripple like silken banners in the wind. Its long, arching stems are clothed in soft, silvery-green foliage, releasing a faint herbal fragrance when brushed. Native to the subtropical highlands of central and eastern Mexico, this perennial is a beacon to hummingbirds, bees, and late-season butterflies, sustaining them when nectar is scarce.

In traditional Mexican herbalism, Salvia leucantha has been valued for its aromatic leaves and symbolic beauty, though it is more widely celebrated as an ornamental than for medicinal use. It has long held a place in monastery and mission gardens, cherished for its resilience and striking late blooms that bridge the gap between summer and winter.

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Description

🌿 Why Grow Salvia leucantha

  • Spectacular flowers — velvety purple calyces with white corollas from late summer to frost.
  • Pollinator paradise — attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
  • Low maintenance — drought-tolerant once established.
  • Late-season beauty — blooms when most perennials are spent.
  • Long-lasting cut flowers — fresh or dried for arrangements.

🌱 Growing Guide for Salvia leucantha

  • Type: Tender perennial (evergreen in frost-free climates; grown as annual in colder zones).
  • USDA Zones: 8–11 (can be overwintered indoors in colder regions).
  • Light: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade.
  • Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
  • Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant after establishment. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Height/Spread: 3–4 ft tall, 3–6 ft wide.
  • Pruning: Cut back hard in late winter/early spring to encourage strong new growth.
  • Companions: Looks stunning with ornamental grasses, lantana, or other late-bloomers.

 

✨ A Velvet Invitation to Autumn

Salvia leucantha is more than a plant—it’s an autumn performance. As the days shorten, it unfurls its plush blooms like an encore at the end of the growing season. Whether planted in borders, large containers, or massed for impact, it brings a regal, textural beauty that lingers long into the cool months.

Additional information

Size

4” Size, 1-Gallon Size

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