About
Salvia leucantha, the Mexican bush sage, is an evergreen subshrub to 1.2 m with narrowly lance-shaped, white-beneath leaves and slender spikes of small, white flowers with conspicuous, downy, purple calyces. A rewarding and ornamental sage for a sunny, warm, well-drained border or conservatory.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
Native toMexico & Tropical America
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in peat-free potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Grow outdoors in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade in a frost-free border. Protect from excessive winter wet. Many species attract bees. Provide good colour. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or semi-hardwood in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots