Autumn Sage

salvia greggii

Also known as: ["Cherry Sage","Texas Sage"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Salvia Category: Flowers

Overview

A drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its vibrant flowers and fragrant foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Botanical Name: Salvia greggii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown indoors in very dry conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate (remove up to one-third of growth annually)
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with root rot; stunted growth in poorly drained soil; sparse flowering in nutrient-poor soil

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed; mulch surface to retain moisture

Temperature

Prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); can tolerate brief frosts but thrives in warm conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize lightly after pruning; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; water before and after feeding.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F), bright indirect light

Medium

Perlite and peat mix or cactus mix

Hormone

Recommended (rooting powder or liquid)

Timeline

4–8 weeks for roots; 3–6 months to establish

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; thin out crowded areas; shape evenly

Pruning Plan

Promote bushier growth and more blooms; remove dead or weak stems; shape plant for aesthetic appeal.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, pruning shears, gloves

Checklist

Clean tools before use; make clean cuts; remove dead/diseased wood; shape evenly

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins

Pot Size

One size larger pot (2–3 inches wider)

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim rootbound roots; ensure pot has drainage holes

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; beneficial for container-grown plants

Checklist

Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; replant at same depth

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient, targeted watering.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and fall; reduce to every 2–3 weeks in winter; increase to every 5–7 days in summer, especially in hot climates.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Stem dieback; reduced flowering; potential root damage in prolonged freezes.

Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect with frost cloth; prune damaged stems in spring.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch; reduced blooming; wilting despite adequate water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with stems; flush soil occasionally.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop feeding in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Salvia greggii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Salvia greggii is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can result in reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Salvia greggii may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity, weakening the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Salvia greggii due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Salvia greggii is not known to be toxic to cats. It is safe for cats to be around and does not pose a risk if ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are needed for growing Salvia greggii around cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Salvia greggii is not known to be toxic to dogs. It is safe for dogs to be around and does not pose a risk if ingested in small quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are needed for growing Salvia greggii around dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Salvia greggii is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is commonly used in landscaping and is considered safe for human contact and consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific safety precautions are needed for handling or growing Salvia greggii around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Salvia greggii be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent, deep watering, especially once established.

Q: Does Salvia greggii attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: Can Salvia greggii be grown in containers?

A: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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