Species

Salvia greggiiAutumn Sage

17 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Furman's Red Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii 'Furman'S Red'

Same species

Species

Salvia greggiiAutumn Sage

17 other cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southwestern US and Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia greggii, or Autumn Sage, is a small, woody perennial prized for its very long bloom season and exceptional tolerance of heat and drought. It features small, aromatic leaves and tubular, two-lipped flowers. 'Furman's Red' is a particularly hardy and reliable cultivar known for its profuse, true-red flowers that bloom continuously from summer until the first frost, attracting hummingbirds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides months of vibrant, non-stop color from early summer to the first frost, adding a fine-textured, airy quality to garden beds and borders.

An excellent choice for low-water gardens (xeriscaping), hot and dry areas, and containers where its drought tolerance is a major asset. It is also deer and rabbit resistant.

A primary food source for hummingbirds, which are highly attracted to its red, tubular flowers. It also provides nectar for bees and butterflies.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Ensure the soil is very well-drained; amend with grit if needed.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
Plant at the same depth it was in its container.
Water well to establish, then reduce frequency significantly.
Avoid heavy fertilizers which can inhibit flowering.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy pruning in fall; wait until early spring just as new growth appears to shape the plant and remove any winter damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage above all else.
Prune back hard in early spring to encourage bushy growth.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Plant in full, hot sun for the best performance.

Don't

Don't overwater or plant in soggy soil.
Don't fertilize heavily or use rich compost.
Don't prune into old, leafless wood in late fall.
Avoid planting in shade, which leads to poor flowering and leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant anchor for xeriscape and rock gardensLong-blooming perennial border standoutHummingbird magnet for sunny patios and containers

Companion Plants

Agastache Penstemon Lavandula (Lavender) Gaura lindheimeri Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Furman's Red Autumn Sage questions

What zones can Furman's Red Autumn Sage grow in?

Furman's Red Autumn Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Furman's Red Autumn Sage deer resistant?

Yes — Furman's Red Autumn Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Furman's Red Autumn Sage bloom?

Furman's Red Autumn Sage typically blooms in early summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Furman's Red Autumn Sage need full sun?

Furman's Red Autumn Sage does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Furman's Red Autumn Sage drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Furman's Red Autumn Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.