Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage) — Clump-forming or bushy, upright

Overview

Salvia leucantha is a clump-forming or bushy, upright perennial in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted foliage. Salvia leucantha grows best in full sun, and tolerates light loam and sand or chalk soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species. Suggested uses include borders, containers and wildlife gardens. It is native to Mexico & Tropical America.

About

Salvia leucantha is a perennial in the mint family noted for textured, mildly aromatic foliage and a long summer flowering period. It forms a clump-forming, upright habit and performs best in full sun on light, sharply drained soils. Plant on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site and avoid winter-wet conditions, which commonly cause losses. Flowering occurs June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia leucantha

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

In the garden

Salvia leucantha is a perennial Salvia from Mexico and tropical America, placed in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Leaf retention ranges from deciduous through semi-evergreen to evergreen, and the foliage is mildly aromatic and often textured or felted; flowering runs from June to September. Position Salvia leucantha in full sun on light loam, sand or chalk with a neutral to alkaline pH, and choose a sheltered aspect (south or west) where possible. Sharp drainage is important—winter wet is the usual cause of loss—so avoid heavy, waterlogged soil. UK hardiness varies with form: shrubby kinds sit at H3–H5 (borderline to hardy) while the hardy herbaceous selections are H6–H7 (very- to fully-hardy). The species corresponds to USDA zones 5–10. Use Salvia leucantha in mixed borders, planted in containers where drainage can be controlled, or in areas set aside for wildlife. In heavier soils, plant on a raised mound or in a pot to secure the sharply drained conditions it requires; a sheltered, sunny position will help preserve the felted foliage through colder months.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Light loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3–H5 for shrubby kinds, H6–H7 for the hardy herbaceous species

Plant details

Salvia leucantha size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming or bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous, semi-evergreen or evergreen; aromatic, often textured or felted
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, wildlife gardens
Native to: Mexico & Tropical America
Fragrance: Mildly aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia leucantha

Cultivation: Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.
Pruning: Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.
Propagation: Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.
Pest resistance: Aromatic foliage deters most pests; capsid bug and leafhopper occasionally cause spotting.
Disease resistance: Robust in dry conditions. Powdery mildew and root rot appear only where the soil stays wet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia leucantha?

Drainage matters more than cold — most losses come from sitting wet through winter rather than from low temperature. Give the sunniest, sharpest-draining spot available, delay cutting back until spring so old growth shelters the crown, and take insurance cuttings of anything tender.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia leucantha?

Salvia leucantha prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia leucantha need?

Salvia leucantha grows best in light loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays sharply drained; winter wet is the usual cause of loss.

How do I prune Salvia leucantha?

Leave the top growth intact over winter, then cut back to a low framework of live buds in mid-spring once the frosts have passed. Deadhead through summer to extend flowering.

Is Salvia leucantha hardy in the UK?

Salvia leucantha has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Salvia leucantha?

Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings root very easily from spring to late summer, which is the standard insurance against winter losses. Divide hardy herbaceous kinds in spring.

More in the Salvia genus

Browse all Salvia →