Salvia leucantha - Mexican sage

Approximately 900 species of Salvia range around the world. Besides the use of several species as garden ornamentals, some are used as spices, foods, and aromatic oils. As its name indicates, the Mexican sage is native to Mexico. Leaves are gray-green. The white to purple flowers are held on purple spikes. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

This is a very easy plant for sunny, dry spots in northeast Florida. It is a durable, drought-tolerant landscape plant that flowers in spring and fall. In a cold winter, it may freeze to the ground and resprout in spring. Gardeners should cut back leggy plants in spring to keep them full and compact.