Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 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.
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
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
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Crinum Lily
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Daylily
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Mexican Petunia
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Spiderwort
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Tropical Sage
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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.