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Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)

Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia

Salvia greggii, Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia, Native 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.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow salvia successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Autumn Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ (Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Pink (Sage)
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Sage)
Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’ (Rosy-Leaf Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Orange (Sage)
Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Red’ (Scarlet Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Phaseolus vulgaris – Cannellini Beans
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Aster novae-angliae (New England Aster)
Coreopsis (Tickseed)

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Salvia (Sage)
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Companion Planting With Herbs
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Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)
Salvia guaranitica (Blue Anise Sage)
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Autumn Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
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