Trying to decide what to plant?
Plant Mexican Bush Sage! Mexican Bush Sage, Salvia leucantha, is a Texas favorite perennial with colorful showy bloom spires. Traditional variety boasts purple blooms with white accents.
Looking for something a little more unique? Try the purple and purple, called ‘Midnight’. Need more options? Similarly there is a pink & white and white & white. Salvia Leucantha are considered more of a midrange perennial. Likewise, all can reach anywhere from 3-4′ x 3-4′ when planted in the full sun.
When do they bloom?
Generally here in Austin, Lakeway and the Dripping Springs area, the blooms start in the late summer and continue through the fall. Once established, it is considered a drought tolerant perennial. Having said that, as with most anything in extreme heat, it would like some supplemental water. In the winter it will die down and will come back in the spring. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees love them and is a great attraction for the pollinators and butterfly gardens!
What to plant alongside it?
It is not uncommon to see the Mexican Bush Sage planted next to grasses and other fall blooming favorites. For example, the Copper Canyon Daisy. The bright and cheery yellow blooms are a fantastic pop of color next to the purple. (bonus it smells like lemons!!) Above all when planning your garden /landscape design, it is always good to think about things that bloom seasonally. In short, this will ensure you have blooms throughout the year and not just one season.
Salvia leucantha ‘Midnight’
Another great choice is the Texas native Salvia greggii. Available in a multitude of colors, white red, coral, raspberry to name a few. You are sure to find one that works for you. Salvia greggii bloom spring through fall and are a semi-evergreen perennial which is nice to incorporate into your landscape design.
Wanting to add some evergreens? Abelia and Pineapple Guava are equally great choices. Abelia come in several color combinations , sizes and bloom colors. Pineapple Guava have silver leaves which look beautiful alongside the Salvia leucantha. In addition to their complimentary leaf color, they produce an exotic red and white bloom that sets an edible fruit behind it. On the other hand, maybe you want something green and evergreen. Dwarf Yaupon Holly is a drought tolerant low growing plant that is fantastic addition to most any landscape.
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with the Salvia leucantha. It is an excellent choice for a tough, low maintenance plant. Perfect for a butterfly garden or in your landscape to attract pollinators.
