Mexican Sage

Salvia leucantha Cav.

SAL-vee-ah  lew-CAN-tha

Lamiaceae

Explanation of name: For generic name see Salvia coccinea. Leucantha means white flower. (The flowers are usually predominantly purplish but are made pale by a covering of white hairs.)

Natural range: Mesoamerica

Recognition: Tall, very robust mint with fuzzy, mostly-purple flowers (calyx deep purple, corolla ranging from off-white to purple) in long, narrow vertical inflorescences. The leaves narrow and white-pubescent.

Landscape uses: Spreading clump-forming space filler offering attractive foliage and nearly year-round flowering. Grows quickly and recovers rapidly from extensive pruning, which may be necessary in response to leggy growth. Prefers sun or dappled sun, and rich soil with adequate moisture. Somewhat drought tolerant, but becomes unsightly if too dry for too long, or if otherwise not maintained.