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Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Shade

3'x3'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Red

Year-Round

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.

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

No

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Autumn Sage is a soft, mounding shrub normally 2-3 ft. tall, with small, mintily aromatic green leaves and produces red tubular shaped flowers that bloom almost year round. In the high desert they will bloom spring through fall but are cold tolerant to 15 degrees. For low desert gardens plant in the filtered shade of a mesquite or Palo Verde and in the high desert, full sun is best. Native to rocky slopes in south-central to west Texas into Mexico, this plant prefers well draining soil. A nice compact shrub that is a good addition to pollinator gardens. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the red tubular flowers!

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others! 

 

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

 

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.

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