Velour Pink Mexican Sage

Velour Pink Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha 'Velour Pink') is a compact, fast growing sage about 1m high and 1m to 1.2m wide. Slender stems, velvety white in bud, carry warm pink tubular flowers above a mound of soft grey green leaves from summer through autumn. Its parent species holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Why you'll love it

• Velvet texture. The stems and buds are velvety white and the leaves soft and grey green, which makes it a plant people want to touch.
• Late season colour. Flowers keep coming through summer and autumn, when many borders are running out of steam.
• Food for pollinators. The nectar rich tubular flowers attract bees and butterflies.
• Compact for a Mexican sage. It stays around 1m high, so it fits an ordinary border without taking it over.
• Fast and easy. It grows quickly in most soils and needs only a prune after flowering.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and mixed borders. Plant 90cm apart so the mounds meet without crowding. Warm pink looks good against silver foliage and with white daisies.

Pots and planters. A single plant makes a bold container display on a sunny patio. Water it often in summer.

Wildlife gardens. Pair it with other nectar plants to keep bees and butterflies visiting from summer to the first frosts.

Growing Velour Pink Mexican Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the most flowers in sun. It tolerates only a light frost, and harder frost burns the top growth, so in cold districts choose a sheltered spot and mulch in winter. Frost free subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it best.

Soil. It tolerates most soil types but grows best in moist, well drained loam.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it well watered in hot weather. Fertilise regularly to keep it looking its best.

Pruning. Prune once a year after flowering and add fresh mulch. That maintains a supply of fresh flowering stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Velour Pink Mexican Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes suit a big planting, while the 140mm pots give a stronger start. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and mulch the soil.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full salvia range
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Plants for subtropical climates
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

When does Velour Pink flower?

It flowers from summer through autumn. Keeping it watered and fed in hot weather helps the display last.

Does frost damage it?

A light frost is tolerated, but harder frost burns the top growth. Give it shelter and winter mulch in cold areas.

How should I prune it?

Once a year after flowering, cut back the finished stems to keep the plant tidy and encourage fresh flowering growth.