Mexican sage

Mexican sage

Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha) is a cottage-style plant with beautiful silver green foliage, and furry white and purple flowers. It grows from creeping rhizomes under the ground, and forms a clump about 1m (3′) tall. Unlike other salvias, this one won’t go berserk in your garden.

Best climate: Most areas of Australia, except the hot, tropical north. In very cold or mountain areas it must be protected against frosts.

Getting started: Plants should be available at nurseries in most areas throughout the year, or you could try ordering it directly from mail-order and perennial specialists.