Varieties We Bring In
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We received some Mexican Bush Sage on Oct 15, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Oct 15, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: Non-toxic to dogs and cats
Pet safety guideAbout 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.
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 months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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.
Similar needs
Bluestar
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Crinum Lily
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Daylily
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Mexican Petunia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Spiderwort
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Tropical Sage
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Mexican Bush Sage a good plant for St. Augustine?
Mexican Bush Sage is a perennial. Mature size: 3-5 feet × 3-5 feet. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Low to Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Mexican Bush Sage?
Non-toxic to dogs and cats
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.