Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)

A hummingbird magnet, Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage) is a bushy sub-shrub boasting brilliant racemes of usually red, two-lipped flowers, but the flowers may also appear purple, pink, yellow, or violet. Blooming from spring to frost, the flowers bloom in whorls above the minty aromatic foliage of small, ovate, downy, green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm). Flowering tends to decrease in the heat of summer, but perks up in the fall. The blossoms are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Native to Texas and Mexico, Salvia greggii is a popular landscape plant thanks to its heat, humidity, and drought tolerance. It is also valued for its nearly evergreen habit (evergreen in warmer climates), its colorful and long-lasting blooms, and as a magnet for hummingbirds. A great small flowering shrub in a perennial border or as a low hedge.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in light, moderately fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Needs a sheltered position.
• Easy to grow, and fairly disease free, it is deer resistant. Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, slugs, and snails, or rosemary beetle.
• Deadhead to prolong flowering. Blooms on the previous or current year’s growth. Needs little pruning. Prune lightly removing unsightly shoots as required.
• Propagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat.
• Native to Texas, Mexico.