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Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

true

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Autumn Sage

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Salvia greggii – Autumn Sage

Autumn Sage is a soft, mounding shrub typically 2–3 feet tall with small, minty-aromatic green leaves. It produces bright red, tubular flowers that bloom almost year-round. In the high desert, blooms mostly occur from spring through fall, and the plant is cold tolerant to about 15°F. In low desert gardens, it prefers filtered shade under mesquite or Palo Verde trees, while full sun suits it best in the high desert. Native to rocky slopes from south-central to west Texas into Mexico, Autumn Sage thrives in well-draining soil. This compact shrub is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, as hummingbirds and butterflies are especially attracted to its nectar-rich flowers.

Wildlife Value:
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch; Sphinx moths; native bees.
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Seeds; Nest
Bird Species: Anna’s (C. anna), Costa’s (C. costae), White-crowned Sparrow (Z. leucophrys), Gambel’s Quail (C. gambelii), Towhees (Melozone spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

Trim or pinch tips continuously for nonstop blooming. In late February or early March, you may wish to prune it a third to halfway back to produce thicker, more compact foliage and a shorter flowering plant. Pruning may delay flowering for several weeks, but it is important if you want to prevent leggy plants. On the other hand, if you want to encourage the plant to assume its maximum natural shape, however tall, only pick-prune.

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees but may die back to the ground and regrow in the spring

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.