Perennial – Santa Barbra Mexican Bush Sage

Santa Barbra Mexican Bush Sage 

Botanical name: salvia leucantha ‘santa barbra’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 8-10 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green/gray 

Flower color: purple 

Bloom time:  spring, summer, fall 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune to maintain desired shape and size during the late winter/early spring

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the late summer/early fall 

Landscape use: mixed beds, borders, container plant, rock garden, pollinator garden 

Special features: drought tolerant, long-lasting blooms, attracts pollinators, deer resistant, rabbit resistant 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow soil to mostly dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow release balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  loam 

Companion plants: coneflower, russian sage, black-eyed susan 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for pets if ingested, non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no