Salvia leucantha aka Mexican Bush Sage

Taxonomy

Salvia leucantha, also known as the Mexican bush sage, is an evergreen shrubby perennial that is native to subtropical and tropical conifer forests in Central and Eastern Mexico. It grows up to 1.3 m (4.3 ft) high and 2 m (6.6 ft) wide, with numerous erect stems that are often arching at their tips, and with long inflorescences. The plant feels soft and hairy to the touch, and the bi-color blooms include white corollas and purple calyces. The linear-lanceolate leaves are a soft mid-green, with whitish, hairy undersides and have a velvet-like texture. In the fall, you can expect to see lovely cascades of velvety purple flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators and wildlife. Mexican bush sage is not frost hardy, but it is often grown in warmer latitudes for its prominent arching velvety blue or purple inflorescences. It makes an excellent companion plant for mixed beds and gardens, and it also makes gorgeous, long-lasting additions to floral arrangements. Mexican Bush Sage can be grown as an annual that typically rises to about two to three feet tall within one growing season. It likes soil that is well-draining and needs regular watering to thrive. The plant does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Mexican Bush Sage belongs to the Salvia genus, and is native to Mexico and Central America.

Common names

Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage, Velvet Sage

How to care for Mexican Bush Sage

Difficulty

Mexican Bush Sage requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Mexican Bush Sage should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mexican Bush Sage loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Mexican Bush Sage requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Mexican Bush Sage will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Mexican Bush Sage to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Mexican Bush Sage is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Mexican Bush Sage should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mexican Bush Sage’s native range is Worldwide.


More info:
Wikipedia