Mexican Bush Sage - Salvia leucantha (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Mexican Bush Sage

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha) is a plant species native to central and eastern Mexico. Mexican Bush Sage grows in subtropical and tropical conifer forests. This species attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.

Scientific classification

Species

Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

45 cm

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

White, Purple

Flower Color

Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Mexican Bush Sage

Distribution of Mexican Bush Sage

Distribution Map

Mexican Bush Sage is a plant native to Central America, flourishing in regions with a warm climate. It has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world, predominantly within tropical and subtropical zones. Its cultivated status has led to a widespread presence across multiple continents, from Asia and Africa to Oceania and parts of South America.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Tropical and sub-tropical pine forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Mexican Bush Sage is a flowering plant that is greatly valued by gardeners for its showy, velvety blossoms. This species is commonly planted in garden beds and garden borders, where its flowers are often cut for bouquets. Mexican Bush Sage attracts bees and butterflies while remaining resistant to deer.

Interesting Facts

Although mexican Bush Sage looks like a sage with purple or pink flowers, its flowers are actually white. Those vivid purple structures aren't actual flowers, but a calyx - a cup-shaped structure from which a flower emerges. The real flowers in mexican Bush Sage are few, but the overall appearance of the plant is attractive anyways.

Name Story

Mexican bush sage: Mexican Bush Sage is the species of the Salvia genus that belongs to the group of the aromatic Salvia species called 'sage'. It is a bushy sage, native to Mexico, hence its common name.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Mexican Bush Sage, including the following common varieties :

Sages 'Phyllis Fancy'

Quickly Identify Mexican Bush Sage

Upright stems with woolly white hairs.

Distinctive velvety purple calyces with white petals.

Gray-green leaves with whitish undersides due to dense hairs.

Long tubular flowers with pure white corollas.

Linear lance-shaped leaves with velvet-like texture.

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Care Guide for Mexican Bush Sage

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Mexican Bush Sage thrives in tropical climates, preferring consistent moisture but tolerating occasional dry spells. Weekly watering helps maintain its foliage and blooms. Typically grown outdoors, mexican Bush Sage flourishes with balanced soil moisture and temperature, making it an excellent choice for temperate gardens.

Fertilize: For mexican Bush Sage, use balanced or high phosphorus fertilizers monthly during spring and summer to promote growth. Reduce application in fall and winter. Water thoroughly post-fertilization to avoid root damage, particularly for container-grown mexican Bush Sage, ensuring continuous health and flowering.

Pruning: Mexican Bush Sage features vibrant purple flower spikes and aromatic leaves. Prune in early spring to late winter by cutting back to the base and removing spent flowers to enhance blooming. This practice promotes air circulation, overall health, and a compact shape, supporting vigorous growth and prolific flowering.

Propagation: Mexican Bush Sage, a perennial plant with velvet-textured spiky flowers, thrives when propagated via cuttings. Select healthy, non-flowering stems, use rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining soil. Maintain moisture and humidity during rooting; after rooting, transplant to a sunny location for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot mexican Bush Sage every 2-3 years in early spring, using a container one size larger. Use well-draining soil and provide bright, indirect light for recovery. Water regularly, ensuring no waterlogging, to support the growth of its unique, velvety purple inflorescences.

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Images of Mexican Bush Sage

Distribution of Mexican Bush Sage

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Mexican Bush Sage

Care Guide for Mexican Bush Sage

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Common Pests & Diseases