Because of its striking color, the Mexican Bush Sage, Salvia leucantha, caught my eye this evening during my walk around the apartment complex. This herbaceous perennial is native to Mexico and Central America but it’s particularly well adapted to the climate of central Texas. What makes this shrub unique is the fact that it is deer-resistant, while also providing food and shelter to birds, butterflies, and bees. The bright purple flowers bloom from summer to late fall, and the shrub can reach heights between 3′ and 5′. Because of its outstanding beauty and low maintenance, the Mexican bush sage has become very popular for landscaping, especially in the Austin area. It has also been the recipient of numerous awards, including being named a Texas Super Star.
My iNaturalist observation can be found here.
Resources
http://www.finegardening.com/mexican-bush-sage-salvia-leucantha
http://austinnativelandscaping.com/salvia-leucantha-mexican-bush-sage/