Salvia leucantha

Velvet sage, also called Mexican bush sage, is a herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family and native to Mexico and central America. It is a relative garden newcomer but is seen today gracing the late summer garden across the state. It is only hardy from the lower Piedmont to the coastal plain, and extreme winters may kill it. The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin term salveo, which means ‘be well’ and refers to the plant's medicinal properties. The specific epithet leucantha comes from Latin and means ‘white-flowered’.

This sage prefers rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil but will tolerate some drought. It does best in full sun but tolerates afternoon shade in regions with high summer heat. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Propagate by division, seed, or stem cutting. This plant is resistant to deer and rabbits.

The flower stalks bear persistent flower bases or calyces that are velvety and purplish with short-lived, white corollas that do not appear until late summer. The showy, bicolor flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Use velvet sage as a border or mass planting in butterfly, cottage, or pollinator gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Whitefly, aphids, mealy bug, and spider mites are insect problems. Rust, powdery mildew, stem rot, and fungal leaf spot are disease problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Salvia.