Mexican Bush Sage, or Salvia leucantha, can be found in the family Lamiaceae, and it is a evergreen shrubby perennial. It is known for its velvety ornamental flowers, consisting of purple sepals that cover a fluffy white flower. These flowers bloom from late summer through to the first frost, sitting atop tall spikes and adding an extra dimension to any garden or outdoor area.
It is easily recognizable as one of the most attractive Salvias, and it is capable of reaching heights of up to six feet when in full bloom. Whether used as a border to lightly divide outdoor areas, or placed in containers to provide a splash of color when indoors; this plant offers elegance and beauty in abundance.
Mexican Bush Sage is particularly well liked by both butterflies and hummingbirds, meaning it serves as a great way to attract these beautiful animals to the garden. It is is suitable for a variety of climates and can be grown in both the cold and heat with the right care.
How to Plant
When planting Mexican Bush Sage, it’s important to make sure that you provide the plant with the ideal conditions in order to maximize its growth.
Light: Mexican Bush Sage prefers medium light intensity from the sun. Avoid either too much sun or too little.
Soil: Best grown in soils that are a little sandy and well-draining, avoiding heavy clay soils that do not allow water to flow away freely. Ph balance should be around 6.5 to 7.0.
Water: The soil needs to be kept moist but introduce drainage to avoid overwatering. Humidity should generally stay around 60-70% relative humidity.
Temperature: In general, Mexican Bush Sage likes ambient to moderate temperatures that are mild and not too hot. It can grow in the heat but special attention needs to be paid to make sure that the soil stays moist.
Fertilizer: It is not necessary to fertilize your Mexican Bush Sage, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied during either Spring or Summer with simple watering.
Meaning and Symbolism
The name “Mexican Bush Sage” is derived from the Spanish word “Salvia” which means “to save”; this symbolizes the traditional medicinal properties of the plant. The species, leucantha, refers to the white flowers that characterise it.
As with many plants and flowers, the meaning of Mexican Bush Sage is also closely associated with a variety of colors and also with friendliness. It is often given as a gift to show that you want to symbolize growth, friendship and mental clarity.
History, Mythology, Religious Significance
Due to its heavily medicinal foundation, Mexican Bush Sage has been used in many cultures historically for healing and medicinal purposes. The Aztecs used various sprays to prevent and help cure diseases by burning the flower and the leaves. It is even part of modern Mexican culture, used in the form of herbal teas.
Traditionally it was believed to symbolize fertility and good luck, and would have an altar dedicated to the plant in some areas of Mexico. It is said that if a person with a cough drank a lot of tea made with the flowers and/or leaves, they would be cured.
Flower Varieties and their Defining Characteristics
There are a few varieties of Mexican Bush Sage that you can find, each of them featuring different characteristics, colors and shapes:
Purple Majesty: This variety has purplish sepals and a white tube-shaped flower that stands proud against the surrounding foliage.
White Santa: This variety stands out with its white-velvety, bell-shaped flowers and green foliage.
San Marcos: This variety produces smaller bell-shaped flowers, with a deep magenta hue that stands out against the light green foliage.
How to Pot and Repot
Having the flowering plant in a pot decorated with Mexican Bush Sage gives it a much more eye-catching effect. When done correctly, it can look quite amazing, and it is something that will surely help you create a beautiful outdoor view.
These are the steps you need to take:
1. Choose a pot of the right size and material.
2. Fill it with soil that will not drain too quickly, opting instead for a mix of loam and compost, or organic soil.
3. Plant the Mexican Bush Sage by placing the root ball in the center of the pot, making sure to water afterwards.
4. If you are repotting, you should dig out the existing root ball carefully, in order to avoid damage to the plant, and replace it in a pot that fits the roots perfectly.
How to Prune
Pruning Mexican Bush Sage can improve the shape and size of your plant considerably. It is necessary so that the flowering process is a success, it also limits the number of dry stems and maximizes the production of flowers.
You should prune Mexican Sage as soon as Winter begins, or when the flowering is over. You should start by pruning the dry stems, cutting them carefully at the base, making sure not to cut the green ones that are still in good condition. You can also prune away parts of the plant in order to give it the shape you desire.
How to Propagate
You can propagate Mexican Bush Sage by seeds or cuttings. You can sow the seeds in any kind of soil in the Spring, ensuring that they are planted in a sunny location that is also well draining. Just press them onto the surface of the soil and then spray with a garden hose in order to keep the soil moist.
Propagating by cutting is also fairly simple. All you need to do is cut a branch from the plant and plant it in moist soil in a sunny spot. Water it regularly until it has taken root.
Common Pests and Diseases
A few pests, like aphids or mealybugs, are attracted to the Mexican Bush Sage. You can detect these pests by observing small holes in the leaves or by looking for white lumps in the harder areas. An easy way to get rid of those pests is by spraying with a diluted detergent solution.
The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases from over-watering. To avoid this, you should always let the soil dry out a little bit before watering again which will maximize plant health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Mexican Bush Sage grow indoors?
A. Yes, Mexican Bush Sage can be grown indoors, making sure to place it somewhere that it can get plenty of sun and air. You should also make sure to water regularly and provide it with a fertilizer during the growing season.
Q. How long does it take to flower?
A. It usually takes 1-3 years for SaVia leucantha to flower, depending on the growing conditions.
Q. Does Mexican Bush Sage like acidic or alkaline soil?
A. Mexican Bush Sage prefers neutral soil with a pH balance of around 6.5 to 7.0.
Table Fact Sheet – Mexican Bush Sage and Salvia leucantha
| Name | Mexican Bush Sage – Salvia leucantha |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Shrubby Perennial |
| Mature Size | Up to Six Feet |
| Sun Exposure | Variable |
| Soil Type | Sandy Loam or Organic Soil |
| Soil pH | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Bloom Time | Late Summer – First Frost |
| Flower Color | Purple – White |
| Hardiness Zones | Varies |
| Native Area | Mexico |
How to Care for Mexican Bush Sage and Salvia leucantha
Mexican Bush Sage and Salvia leucantha, like most flowering plants, require special attention—especially when potted. There are a few key points that need to be mentioned when caring for this flower:
• Fertilize – During the growing season, use a slow-release fertilizer and give the plant a light application of fertilizer every two to three months.
• Sun – Make sure that you provide the flower with enough sunlight, avoiding too much glare and heat that can dry the soil. Place it in a sunny spot for part of the day and a shadier spot for the rest of the day.
• Watering – Make sure that the soil does not dry out and never overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
• Pruning – Pruning should not be done too often, but once a year it is recommended. Cut away any dead material and remove stems to provide the flowering spikes with enough space to flourish.
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