If you have a free hour, I recommend visiting a plant nursery and just browsing through their selection.

The reason I recommend doing this as a gardener (novice or expert) is because you get the opportunity to

• meet people who are knowledgeable about plants (if it is a good nursery)
• learn your likes and dislikes about the nursery
• hopefully discover a new plant that reminds you there is still uniqueness out there

I was walking around a local nursery, as I tend to do to de-stress.

I saw this striking plant placed on either side of the front walkway into the nursery.

I had to stop, admire, and touch.

Without knowing it, I thought it looked like a salvia. But it was unlike any other salvia I have every grown or come across.

It had the recognizable bract structure, but upon closer inspection they were velvet in texture!

I made a mental note to ask about it if I ran into one of the staff members.

When I had the opportunity to strike up a conversation with a staff member, she told me it was a Mexican Bush Sage and that it was an annual in our Zone 7B North Alabama.

Full disclosure: it hurt a little to hear it was an annual in my zone.

My budget for annuals is significantly lower than my budget for perennials.

If I were to get past budget constraints, I would want to plant it in a container and bring it inside during colder months to save the plant year round.

While many gardeners are up to the task bringing plants indoors, I know I would not be that diligent and the Mexican Bush Sage will eventually die.

I did go home to thoroughly research the shrub and here is what I could find out:

Mexican Bush Sage

Its botanical name is Salvia leucantha. It is a perennial in zones 8-11 depending on the specific variety.

Since it is a salvia, you can treat it the way you would most other salvias.

By that I mean, you can plant it in full sun to part shade.

Once established, leave it alone to bloom from late spring to first frost.

If it is perennial in your zone, cut it back late winter/early spring.

I found four more known varieties (of which there are many): a compact purple ‘Santa Barbara’, a wide spreading purple ‘Midnight’, a pink ‘Velour Pink/Danielle’s Dream’, and a white ‘White Mischief’.

Basic Considerations of a Mexican Bush Sage

It is important to consider a few things before you purchase a Mexican Bush Sage. Here are a few characteristics to take into consideration:

Hardiness Zone

In general, varieties of the Mexican Bush Sage are perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Check for the hardiness zone for the specific you are interested in.

If it is not a perennial in your zone, you might consider planting it in a container and bring it indoors during the colder months.

RELATED: The Very First Step to Begin Gardening: Know Your Zone

Height and Width

The size of the Mexican Bush Sage can vary based on variety.

Compact varieties reach only 3 ft tall and wide.

While larger shrubs can top 6 ft tall and spread up to 6 ft high.

Care and Maintenance

The maintenance on the Mexican Bush Sage is relatively low.

As with most salvias, you water until established then water sparingly.

Salvias do not like wet feet so be careful not to over water.

You only need to cut back the foliage to the ground once a year in early spring.

However, do not be afraid to take cuttings from to time to time during the growing season for cut flower arrangements.

Reasons to Grow Mexican Bush Sage

After a few basic considerations on hardiness, size and maintenance, there are several reasons to grow the Mexican Bush Sage:

1. It is an evergreen so it keeps its leaves year round
2. It can be planted in garden beds and containers (especially if it is not a perennial in your zone)
3. It is a great option for cut flowers with its velvet textured blooms
4. As a salvia, it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
5. As a salvia, it requires minimal care once established (no fertilizing needed)
6. It is deer and rabbit resistant

Related: Best Plants for Butterflies: Butterfly Bush

If you come across the Mexican Bush Sage, consider adding it to your garden.