Plant of the Month,(August 1997)

by Kerry Krumrine*, member of the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association
. Las Cruces New Mexico

Salvia leucantha, or Mexican Bush Sage.

Salvia leucantha or Mexican Bush Sage is a perennial shrub, native to Mexico. It grows upright on white branches to 3-4' tall and 3-4' wide. Its striking gray-green foliage, and arching purple-on-white or purple-on-pink flower spikes makes this plant a showy accent in the landscape. It is an excellent choice for the mini-oasis (usually a low area where water collects) in the xeriscape garden. Mexican Bush Sage blooms from summer to fall. Occasional "dead-heading" (pinching off the dead blooms), promotes more vigorous blooming and keeps the plant from looking unkempt.

The best time to plant the Salvia leucantha is in the early fall or early spring. If you would like to plant it in the fall, look for a 1 gallon or larger container at your favorite local nursery. If you buy the plant in a container smaller than a 1 gallon, the plant may not have enough of a root mass to become established by winter. For spring planting however, a smaller container will be fine. After transplanting, during the next month, water the plant before the soil becomes dry. Giving it a deep watering at least once a week should be ample during the rainy monsoon season. This plant is very easy to grow and moderately fast growing as well, so you should be able to enjoy your plant before the cold weather begins.

This Salvia is hardy to 25 degrees, which in the greater Las Cruces area could mean that the plant may experience frost damage. To avoid this problem, the best thing to do is to cut the plant back to the ground in the winter and mulch it to protect its roots from the cold. Use mulches such as compost, bark, or even gravel, which works as a blanket for the roots during the cold winter months. New growth will come up from the roots the following spring. With regular pruning and deep bi-monthly wateing, this plant will really dazzle you. Salvia leucantha also does well in the full sun and heat, and can tolerate periods of drought.

Hummingbirds and butterflies also love this plant. Put it in your garden near a window so you can watch who comes to feed on its nectar!

The plant material normally can be acquired from your local nursery but if you have any problems contact your local county cooperative extension agent.

*Kerry Krumrine is the co-owner of J & K Growers, a wholesale greenhouse that supplies local nurseries with bedding plants, xeriscape plants, native plants, geraniums, and poinsettias.