Shrub
Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii
A small shrub covered in hummingbird flowers from spring to frost, peaking in fall.
- Pollinator
- Hummingbird
- Native
- Deer-resistant
- Evergreen
- Fragrant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 24–36 in. tall × 24–36 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Red, pink, coral, purple or white flowers from spring to frost, heaviest in fall
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Native range
- Native to west and central Texas and northern Mexico
Why we recommend it
A native Texas sage with one of the longest bloom seasons of any xeric shrub and constant hummingbird traffic. In zone 5 gardens, Plant Select's 'Furman's Red' and Wild Thing are hardier selections.
Best regions: TexasSouthwestSouthern CaliforniaHigh Desert
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first summer; established plants want a soak every 2–3 weeks in summer heat.
Pruning
Cut back by a third to a half in late winter or early spring, once hard freezes are past; shear lightly in midsummer to refresh bloom.
Soil
Well-drained soil, including rocky and alkaline; wet winter soil causes losses.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Autumn Sage from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Xeriscaping.com may earn a commission at no cost to you. We only list plants we'd actually plant. Affiliate disclosure