Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
Salvia leucantha 'Santa Barbara'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage - #5 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Fall

Growing Zones
Order The Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
A flowing symphony of lavender and silver! Elevate your garden's elegance with the Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha 'Santa Barbara')! Renowned for its cascading, lavender-purple flower spikes and soft, silvery-green foliage, this Ornamental Sage is a true standout.
This low-maintenance plant is a perennial in USDA growing zones 9 and up but can be semi-perennial in mild zone 8 winters.
It offers seasonal beauty and is a magnet for pollinators, bringing butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your landscape. Perfect for sunny gardens, this Sage thrives in various Southwestern-style conditions and blooms prolifically from summer to fall.
Key Features Of Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
- Stunning lavender-purple flower spikes with velvety texture
- Compact, mounding habit ideal for smaller spaces
- Silvery foliage that complements the vibrant blooms
- Long blooming season, from summer to the first frost
- Attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies
- Waterwise, Fast-Growing, Deer & Rabbit Resistant & Drought-Tolerant
Landscaping Uses For Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
A must-have for sunny Mediterranean-style gardens, the versatile Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage enhances any garden setting:
- Borders and Edges: Create a vibrant, flowing border along pathways or garden beds.
- Xeric/Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Perfect for rugged, rocky sites and naturalizing
- Great Garden Additions: A stunning addition to rock gardens or mixed shrub borders.
- Pollinator Gardens: Invite beneficial insects and wildlife to your yard.
- Containers and Raised Beds: Perfect for patios, decks, or small garden spaces.
- Mediterranean and Xeriscape Designs: Adds beauty while conserving water.
- Mass Plantings: Use in clusters for a dramatic sea of color and texture.
- Cut Flowers: Snip blooms for pretty sprays of lavender filler in bouquets.
Whether you're designing a wildlife-friendly garden or adding elegance to your landscape, this Bush Sage brings effortless charm and beauty.
Care and Maintenance For Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
Caring for Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage is a breeze with these simple tips:
Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. Ensure at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for vibrant blooms.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established, this sage prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil: Thrives in sandy or loamy soil with excellent drainage. Amend heavy clay soil to improve aeration.
Pruning: Trim spent flower spikes to encourage additional blooming. Cut back in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
Fertilizer: Requires little to no fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly in poor soils to enhance growth.
Cold Tolerance: Hardy in USDA zones 8–11. In cooler climates, grow as an annual or protect with mulch to overwinter.
Order The Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage Today!
With its mesmerizing blooms, silvery foliage, and easy care, the Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage is a must-have for gardeners of all skill levels. It offers a unique combination of drought tolerance and pollinator appeal, making it both practical and beautiful.
Shop now at Nature Hills Nursery and bring the timeless beauty of Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage to your garden!
Care and Maintenance For Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage
How tall does Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage grow?
This compact variety typically reaches 2–3 feet in height and width, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Can I grow Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage in a container?
Absolutely! Its manageable size and striking blooms make it a perfect choice for pots and raised planters.
Is Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage deer-resistant?
Yes, the aromatic foliage is unappealing to deer, making it a great option for areas with browsing wildlife.
How do I overwinter Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage in colder climates?
In USDA zones below 8, grow this sage as an annual, or dig it up and move it indoors to protect it from frost.
Does this Bush Sage require deadheading?
Deadheading spent blooms isn't necessary but can encourage additional flowering for a longer bloom season.