Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii
Also called: Cherry Sage, Texas Sage
Autumn Sage. Salvia greggii, commonly called autumn sage or cherry sage, is a small evergreen shrub native to rocky limestone soils of central and west Texas, southern New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico. Loose spikes of two-lipped tubular flowers in red, pink, white, coral, or purple bloom from spring through hard frost — a near-constant hummingbird magnet in southwestern gardens.
Growing & care
- Sun: full sun for tightest growth and heaviest bloom; tolerates afternoon shade in the hottest zones.
- Water: very low once established. Drought-tolerant by the second season; rot follows overwatering in clay soil.
- Soil: rocky, sandy, or gravelly with excellent drainage. Native to alkaline limestone — handles high pH effortlessly.
- Hardiness: USDA zones 7–10; root-hardy in zone 6 with mulch but dies back to the ground.
- Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and wide, depending on cultivar.
- Pruning: shear lightly by one-third after the heavy spring flush to stimulate a second wave; cut back hard in late winter to prevent woody legginess.
Propagation
Softwood cuttings in late spring through summer root within 2–3 weeks in moist sand or perlite. Take 4-inch tips, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and tent with plastic until established. Seed-grown plants vary widely; cuttings keep cultivar color true.
Common problems
Leggy, sparse growth almost always means too much water or too much shade. Powdery mildew appears in humid summers with crowded plantings — wider spacing fixes it. Spittlebugs leave foamy masses on stems but cause little real damage; a hose spray washes them off. Deer and rabbits generally avoid the strongly aromatic foliage. Autumn sage is non-toxic to dogs and cats per ASPCA listings — a pet-safe choice for hummingbird gardens.
Autumn Sage — seeds, tools & books
Native range
Native to 3 states
