Salvia semiatrata

Common Name:
Mexican Bush Sage ‘Semiatrata’

Description:
Salvia semiatrata is a striking and somewhat uncommon perennial shrub, admired for its uniquely coloured, two-toned flowers that blend deep violet-purple with rich magenta-pink calyces. Flowering from late summer through autumn, it produces tall, elegant spikes that create a bold vertical accent in garden beds and borders. The softly textured green foliage forms a lush, bushy base, contrasting beautifully with the vivid blooms. Well suited to Melbourne’s climate, this salvia thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil, showing good drought tolerance once established. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact shape and encourages prolific blooming in the following season. Its nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and birds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly and cottage-style gardens.

Form:
*Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:
Height: 1–1.5 m
Width: 1–1.2 m

Aspect:
*Full Sun
*Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Summer
*Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
Violet-purple
Magenta-pink

Key Attributes:
*Bee Attracting
*Bird Attracting
*Drought Tolerant
*Perennial
*Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:
Lavender
Salvia leucantha
Gaura
Verbena bonariensis
Echinacea