perennialN. America Native

Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

Same species

18 named cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Texas and adjacent Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia greggii, autumn sage, is a compact semi-evergreen subshrub native to Texas and adjacent Mexico, reaching two to three feet. Small aromatic leaves clothe woody arching stems, and two-lipped tubular flowers in red, pink, coral, purple or white open from spring right through to frost, held in loose spikes above the foliage. It flowers for longer than almost any hardy perennial, pausing only in extreme heat, and the tubular blooms are shaped precisely for hummingbird bills. The leaves and flowers are edible and used for teas and seasoning, and the plant goes woody and sparse after a few years unless cut back hard each spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Continuous tubular flowers in a wide colour range from spring to frost on a compact plant.

Drought-proof, deer-resistant and low-maintenance once established, with edible leaves and flowers.

One of the best hummingbird plants available, and heavily used by butterflies and seed-eating birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in sharply drained, lean soil.
Choose full sun to light shade.
Space about two feet apart.
Water sparingly once established.
Cut back by half in early spring to prevent woodiness.
Shear lightly after each flush to keep it blooming.

Pro Tip

Cut it back by half every spring — left alone it goes woody and bare at the base within three or four years and never recovers its shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
Cut back by half each spring ✂️
Shear lightly after each flush 🌸
Use it for hummingbirds all season 🐦

Don't

Overwater or plant in heavy soil ❌
Let it go woody without pruning ❌
Feed it richly ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Long-season hummingbird borderDry sunny bed or slopeContainer and patio planting

Companion Plants

Blue Grama Blanketflower Agave Desert Willow Mexican Bush Sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Sage questions

What zones can Autumn Sage grow in?

Autumn Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Autumn Sage deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Sage bloom?

Autumn Sage typically blooms in spring to frost through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Autumn Sage need full sun?

Autumn Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Autumn Sage drought tolerant?

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