Salvia leucantha, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is belonging to Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to subtropical and tropical conifer forests in central and eastern Mexico and tropical Americas. The name Salvia comes from the Latin word ‘salvere‘ meaning to save in reference to the long-believed healing properties of several sage species. The specific epithet comes from the Latin words ‘leucos‘ meaning white and ‘anthos‘ meaning flower.

Mexican Bush Sage grows up to 120 cm high and 120 cm wide, with numerous erect stems, often arching at their tips, and with long inflorescences. Opposite, linear-lanceolate, slightly serrate leaves are 8-15 cm long, gray green, with whitish, hairy undersides. Unlike culinary sages, the leaves of this salvia species are not flavourful.

The flowers are composed of velvety purple calyces with extended white petals, emerging from congested rings of flowers extending 10 to 30 cm at branch tips. In the autumn, the plants produce spires of fuzzy, brilliant purple and white bicolour flowers that are long lasting and prolific. The actual flower on Salvia leucantha is white, and there are only ever a few blooms open at once on a flower spike. As blossoms fade, purple bracts linger and take the scene.  Flowers are well above the foliage and appear almost year-round along the temperate climate. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Mexican Bush Sage is a low-maintenance plant; prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial sun. In partial sun, plant may not be as dense and lush. Though it is drought-tolerant, require heavier soils than other plants in its family and are not prone to rot in heavy soil. Evergreen to -4° C but root hardy to -8° C and possibly lower. In colder climatic regions plant can be used as an annual.

Salvia leucantha does not produce viable seeds in quantities that are substantial enough to collect. Because of this, plants are most often grown from cuttings. If the plant pruned two or three times during the spring and summer to promote denser, more compact growth and heavier bloom. Useful in cut flower arrangements fresh and when dried retain flower and calyx colors. There are some varieties of this plant including dark purple flowered form Salvia leucantha ‘Midnight’, the compact form Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ and the pink and white flowered Salvia leucantha ‘Danielle’s Dream’.

Use in Landscape: Mexican Bush Sage may be used in herbaceous borders, rock gardens and xeriscape gardens. It may also be used in groups, for an accent point. It is also a good choice as pot plant, especially in cold climate. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Salvia officinalis and many other salvias have a wide variety of medicinal uses, Salvia leucantha may have been used for similar purposes where it grows locally.