Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’, also known as Santa Barbara Sage or Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage, is a compact and attractive ornamental perennial shrub. It has young upright stems covered with woolly white hairs and narrow 3- to 4-inch-long leaves that are gray green above and whitish from dense short hairs below. The flowers are composed of velvety purple calyces with extended rose-lavender petals, emerging from congested vertices (rings of flowers) extending 6 to 12 inches at branch tips. These flowers rise well above the foliage and appear almost year-round along the coast; peak bloom period is spring through fall until first frost. Useful in cut flower arrangements fresh and when dried it retains the flower and calyx colors.

SALVIA LEUCANTHA SANTA BARBARA

$15.00

Quantity

It has young upright stems covered with woolly white hairs and narrow 3- to 4-inch-long leaves that are gray green above and whitish from dense short hairs below. The flowers are composed of velvety purple calyces with extended rose-lavender petals, emerging from congested vertices (rings of flowers) extending 6 to 12 inches at branch tips. These flowers rise well above the foliage and appear almost year-round along the coast; peak bloom period is spring through fall until first frost.
Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigate occasionally to infrequently – is drought tolerant and size can be controlled by judicious irrigation practices. Evergreen to 25° F but should prove root hardy the same as the species which tolerated 18° F in the winter 1990 freeze and could possibly go lower with mulching. Cut back annually in late winter to maintain best appearance and trim older flowers that weight stems down to encourage more upright growth and a tidier appearance. Useful in cut flower arrangements fresh and when dried it retains the flower and calyx colors. Care: It thrives in full sun to light shade and requires low water once established, making it drought-tolerant1. It’s hardy down to about 15-20°F and should be cut back annually in late winter to maintain its best appearance1.
Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ is generally known for its disease resistance and low maintenance requirements. However, like any plant, it can still be susceptible to certain issues:

Pests: It can occasionally attract pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites, especially if grown in a greenhouse1.

Diseases: The plant may develop fungal diseases like rust and leaf spot, particularly in humid conditions or if the foliage remains wet for extended periods1.

To minimize these risks, ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove any affected leaves promptly. Regular monitoring and maintaining healthy growing conditions can help keep your Santa Barbara Sage thriving.