This bushy herbaceous perennial is a native of Mexico and Central America and is grown in the United States either as a perennial in warm climates or as an annual in colder areas. It quickly grows into an upright mound of foliage composed of gray-green velvety leaves accompanied by gracefully arched flowering stems in late summer until frost. The flowers are rose-purple or rose-purple and white, and are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. They provide a welcome touch of contrasting color to the fall garden and are good as cut flowers. Mexican bush sage is good in borders, mass plantings, and containers.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: White to rose-purple flowers in whorls on terminal racemes 19″ long ; late summer into fall
Size: 1-3′ H x 2-3′ W
Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates some afternoon shade
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
Care: Low maintenance; cut back in summer if plants become leggy; deadhead to encourage continuous bloom
Hardiness: Zones 8-10
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, cuttings in late summer, division
Companion Plants: Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) ‘Fiesta del Sol’, yellow marigolds, various colors of lantana
Outstanding Selections:
‘Midnight’ (dark purple) ‘Kab’ (dwarf lavender)
Karen Meyers