Salvia leucantha
$15.90
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Mexican Bush Sage
A magnificent late-flowering salvia grown for its long, arching stems of velvety purple-and-white flowers. Blooming from late summer well into autumn, Salvia leucantha provides rich colour when many other perennials are beginning to fade. Its narrow grey-green leaves have softly felted silver undersides, while the dense, furry flower spikes are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
Native to the mountainous regions of Mexico, this fast-growing perennial develops into a broad, graceful shrub during the warmer months. It is evergreen in warmer climates and can flower all through the winter but is sensitive to hard frosts below minus 3C where it can be deciduous and regrow from the base in spring. Plant it in a warm, sheltered position and protect the crown from excessive winter moisture in colder gardens.
The long flower stems are excellent for cutting, bringing their unusual velvet texture and deep colour to fresh arrangements.
Growing Conditions
Plant in full sun in fertile, free-draining soil. Drought tolerant once established. Good winter drainage and a sheltered position are particularly important in frost-prone areas. Leave the old stems in place over winter to help protect the crown, then cut back firmly in spring once new growth appears.
Uses
Ideal for sunny perennial borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings and warm, sheltered courtyards. Its broad, arching habit looks especially effective towards the middle or back of a border, where the flowers can spill naturally over neighbouring plants. Excellent for late-season colour and for cutting.
1L pot.
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