Cedar Sage
Salvia roemeriana
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Texas and northern Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, aromatic, dark green leaves. Produces spikes of brilliant scarlet-red, two-lipped tubular flowers. A shade-tolerant salvia with a very long bloom period from spring to frost. Its vibrant red flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds. Exceptionally drought tolerant once established.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established, about once a week.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season.
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness and remove spent blooms.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal issues.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water the plant deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead or diseased parts
- Fertilize in spring and mid-summer for vigorous growth
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't plant in heavy, poorly-draining clay soil
- Refrain from excessive fertilizing which can cause leggy growth
- Avoid shady locations that reduce flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cedar Sage questions
What zones can Cedar Sage grow in?
Cedar Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cedar Sage deer resistant?
Yes — Cedar Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cedar Sage bloom?
Cedar Sage typically blooms in spring to fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cedar Sage need full sun?
Cedar Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cedar Sage drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cedar Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Salvia to compare
May Night Sage
Salvia nemorosa 'May Night'
Celestial Blue Sage Wood Sage
Salvia nemorosa 'Celestial Blue'
Marcus Woodland Sage
Salvia nemorosa 'Marcus'
White Profusion Salvia
Salvia x hybrida 'White Profusion'
Lyrical Blues Salvia
Salvia x hybrida 'Lyrical Blues'
Rose Marvel Sage
Salvia nemerosa 'Rose Marvel'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cedar Sage with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
