Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha
- Native to:
- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panamá
Netherzone,小石川人晃,SAplants,KENPEI,小石川人晃,Randy Robertson (www.flickr.com) from Newbury Park, California, USA,小石川人晃,Photo by David J. Stang,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,Cillas
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Genus:
- Salvia
- Species:
- Salvia leucantha
- USDA Symbol:
- SALE9
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Two-spotted Longhorn (Melissodes bimaculatus), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), Xylocopa sonorina, Xylocopa tabaniformis Hummingbirds: Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Selasphorus Swainson Butterflies:⚠️Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from woody base after light frost damage or cutting; may regenerate after fire if roots survive.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, rocky hillsides and slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Best germination at 65-70°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Most interbreed and seed may not be what is labelled