Salvia leucantha
Salvia leucantha, commonly known as Mexican Bush Sage, is a stunning and fast-growing perennial shrub renowned for its velvety, soft purple and white flower spikes. Blooming from late summer through autumn, this salvia creates a bold, colourful display that adds vibrancy to garden spaces during the cooler months. Its slender, arching stems are adorned with narrow, grey-green, aromatic leaves, creating a bushy and elegant form. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, Salvia leucantha is a favourite for gardeners seeking beauty with ease.
Mexican Bush Sage is perfect for adding height and texture to mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings. Its long flower spikes pair beautifully with ornamental grasses, autumn-flowering perennials, and other sun-loving plants. Use it to create a dramatic backdrop, as a focal point, or mass plant it for a lush, colourful effect. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.
This salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly conditions. It tolerates poorer soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established. While it prefers dry conditions, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells helps maintain its lush appearance. Avoid overly wet or waterlogged soils to ensure healthy growth.
Space plants 75–90 cm apart to accommodate their spreading habit and encourage airflow, especially in mass plantings.
At maturity, Salvia leucantha reaches a height of 90–120 cm and spreads approximately 75–90 cm.
Need a few? Same plants, better price, free shipping. Click here to check out the Box Lot!
Trimming: Prune back spent stems in late autumn or early winter after flowering to maintain a tidy shape. In early spring, cut the plant back to 15–20 cm above ground level to encourage fresh growth.
Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes during the blooming season to promote prolonged flowering and a neat appearance.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.
Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, Salvia leucantha is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry spells. Ensure the soil is well-drained.
Pest Control: Generally pest-free, but monitor for aphids or spider mites, particularly in hot, dry conditions. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Disease Management: Rarely affected by diseases, but ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot or fungal issues.
This elegant salvia produces velvety purple and white flower spikes that bloom profusely from late summer to autumn. Ideal for sunny borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point, it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
