Perennial
Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
Varieties We Carry
StandardSalvia leucantha
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$9.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow to Moderate
Mature size3-5 feet × 3-5 feet
About Mexican Bush Sage
Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is a woody perennial subshrub native to tropical and subtropical Mexico and Central America, producing long, arching spikes of velvety purple and white flowers from late summer through fall. The soft, gray-green aromatic foliage and dramatic flower spikes make it a standout in late-season gardens and mixed borders. It is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds and is drought-tolerant once established. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple, White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Plant Mexican bush sage in full sun; it blooms most prolifically with 6+ hours of direct sun per day. In NE Florida, it acts as a semi-evergreen subshrub — cut back in late winter to encourage vigorous spring regrowth and prevent legginess.
Water
Mexican bush sage is drought-tolerant once established and requires only occasional deep watering in NE Florida. Avoid overwatering — it thrives in hot, dry conditions and performs poorly in waterlogged soil.
Soil & Fertilizer
Grows in any well-drained soil — sandy, loam, or clay — common in NE Florida. Fertilize lightly once or twice a year in spring; too much fertilizer promotes foliage over flowers. Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture through dry periods.
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Common questions
Is Mexican Bush Sage a good plant for St. Augustine?
Mexican Bush Sage is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet × 3-5 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.