Salvia leucantha

(Mexican Bush Sage)

Salvia leucantha is one “Texas Tough” perennial. I suppose that is why you see one in almost every north Texas landscape. Mexican Bush Sage is considered a Texas Super Star by Texas Agri-Life.

Spikes of velvety purple and white flowers appear in the fall. The flower spikes can be 8- 10” long and are held above the foliage.

The foliage is also covered in soft velvet. The leaf undersides are lighter green than the topsides. The leaves are 2-6” long, lanceolate and are arranged opposite on square stems.

The overall size is usually 3-4’ tall and wide.

Salvia leucantha has no serious disease or insect issues. It does best in full sun and needs well drained soil. Even though Mexican Bush Sage is considered drought tolerant, it will look nicer with some water applied in the hottest and driest months.

To keep from having an unkempt look, shear plants back to the ground at least once a year.

If you do not have Salvia leucantha in your landscape, it would be worth your while to go to the garden center and purchase one or more. Those lovely velvety purple and white bloom spikes will add color and life to the fall garden.