Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
Also listed as Salvia bicolor
Also known as Curacao Sage, Salvia
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Bush Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Mexican bush sage is a graceful shrub with soft purple-blue tubular flowers on long spikes that bloom prolifically in summer through fall. It's drought-tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Why grow it
Mexican bush sage offers reliable late-season color when many other ornamentals fade, making it valuable for extending bloom into fall. Compared to other salvias, its substantial height (3-5 feet) and vigorous habit suit larger borders or hedgerow plantings, while its drought tolerance once established reduces supplemental watering needs in established gardens. The plant provides consistent nectar for pollinators during a season when food sources become scarce.
Watch out for
In mild climates where it doesn't fully die back, old woody stems may require hard pruning in spring to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil; poorly drained sites can lead to root issues. Depending on your hardiness zone, plan for significant dieback or potential loss in severe winters, particularly in areas colder than zone 8.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Mexican bush sage is a graceful shrub with soft purple-blue tubular flowers on long spikes that bloom prolifically in summer through fall. It's drought-tolerant once established and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Bush Sage grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mexican bush sage offers reliable late-season color when many other ornamentals fade, making it valuable for extending bloom into fall. Compared to other salvias, its substantial height (3-5 feet) and vigorous habit suit larger borders or hedgerow plantings, while its drought tolerance once established reduces supplemental watering needs in established gardens. The plant provides consistent nectar for pollinators during a season when food sources become scarce.
Watch out for
In mild climates where it doesn't fully die back, old woody stems may require hard pruning in spring to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil; poorly drained sites can lead to root issues. Depending on your hardiness zone, plan for significant dieback or potential loss in severe winters, particularly in areas colder than zone 8.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lamiaceae
Native Range
Mexico
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.