Velour White Mexican Sage

Velour White Mexican Sage (Salvia leucantha 'Velour White') is a compact, fast growing sage about 1m high and 1m to 1.2m wide, with slender stems of clean white flowers above a mound of soft grey green leaves. It flowers from summer through autumn and suits a cottage border or a planter in a sunny spot. Its parent species holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white flowers. White blooms mix with every other colour and stay visible as the light fades in the evening.
• Soft grey green leaves. The velvety foliage makes a calm backdrop for the flowers and holds its shape between flushes.
• A long season. It flowers from summer right through autumn, when many borders have faded.
• Nectar for pollinators. Bees and butterflies visit the tubular flowers throughout the season.
• Fast and compact. It reaches around 1m quickly and fits into a standard border.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and white gardens. Plant 90cm apart, with silver foliage and pale perennials for a calm scheme.

Planters. It gives a single large pot a strong centrepiece on a sunny patio. Water often in summer.

Courtyards and entertaining areas. White flowers show up in low light, so a drift near a seating area comes into its own on summer evenings.

Growing Velour White Mexican Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It likes warmth and tolerates only a light frost. Harder frost burns the top growth, so in colder districts choose a sheltered spot and mulch over winter. Subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it best.

Soil. It tolerates most soil types and grows best on moist, well drained loam.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep it well watered in dry weather. Fertilise regularly for the best display.

Pruning. Prune once a year after flowering, then add fresh mulch to encourage new flowering stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Velour White 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 larger planting and the 140mm pots give a bigger start. Plant out soon after delivery, water in well and keep the root zone moist.

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 pots and containers
• White flowering plants for Australian gardens

Common questions

When does it flower?

From summer through autumn. Regular watering and feeding in hot weather help it keep going.

Is it good in a pot?

Yes. Use a large pot, a free draining mix and a sunny spot, and water more often than you would a garden planted sage.

Can it handle frost?

It tolerates only a light frost. Harder frost burns the top growth, so give it shelter in cold districts.