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. The traditional variety boasts purple blooms with white accents. Looking for something a little more unique? There is a variety that is purple and purple called ‘Midnight’. In addition to these two purple options, there is a pink and white and white and white variation. All are similar in habit and can reach anywhere from 3-4′ x 3-4′ when planted in the full sun.
When do they bloom?
Generally in Austin 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!
What to plant alongside it?
It is not uncommon to see the Mexican Bush Sage planted next to grasses and other fall blooming favorites. The Copper Canyon Daisy, is a particularly great example, it has a bright and cheery yellow blooms which pops next to the purple. (bonus it smells like lemons!!) When planning your garden /landscape design it is always good to think about things that bloom seasonally. This will ensure you have blooms throughout the year and not just one season.
Salvia leucantha ‘Midnight’
Another great choice is the Texas native popular choice of the 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. They bloom spring through fall and are a semi-evergreen perennial which is nice to incorporate into your landscape design. If you are wanting to pair with an evergreen, Abelia and Pineapple Guava are equally great choices. Abelia come in several color combinations , sizes and bloom colors to help you create the look you are going for. The 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.
All in all you can’t go wrong with the Salvia leucantha. A tough perennial that is low maintenance and attracts pollinators.
What more can you ask for?
