2 named cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Forsythia Sage

Salvia madrensis

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia madrensis, forsythia sage, is a tall semi-evergreen perennial from the Sierra Madre of northwestern Mexico, reaching six to eight feet in a season. Thick rigid stems with four prominent flanges carry large grey-green heart-shaped leaves, and dense spikes of soft yellow tubular flowers open in autumn, unusually late for a salvia.

Yellow is rare among the shrubby salvias, and this one flowers in autumn when the border is thinning, which is exactly when hummingbirds most need the nectar for their migration. The square stems are strongly flanged and rigid enough to stand unstaked at six feet, but give it shelter, since autumn wind can flatten a plant that has taken all summer to build.

Uses & Benefits:

Tall spikes of soft yellow flowers in autumn, a rare colour and an unusually late season for a salvia.

Reaches six to eight feet in one season and stands without staking thanks to its rigid flanged stems.

A significant late nectar source for hummingbirds on migration, plus bees and butterflies.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

90 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northwestern Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.
Allow four to six feet of width for a mature clump.
Choose a sheltered position away from strong wind.
Water through dry spells in summer.
Mulch the crown for winter at the cold edge of its range.
Cut back to new growth in spring, not autumn.

Pro Tip

It flowers on the tips in autumn, so any summer pruning to control height also removes the flowers you were waiting for.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it full sun and shelter from wind 🌤️
Allow it plenty of room 📏
Mulch the crown before winter 🍂
Cut back in spring, not autumn ✂️

Don't

Prune it in summer — you lose the flowers ❌
Plant it in an exposed windy spot ❌
Cut it back before spring growth shows ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut Back
Enjoy

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Back of a large sunny borderAutumn hummingbird plantingCutting garden for tall spikes

Companion Plants

Mexican Bush Sage Muhly Grass AsterGoldenrod Canna

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Forsythia Sage questions

What zones can Forsythia Sage grow in?

Forsythia 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 Forsythia Sage deer resistant?

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

When does Forsythia Sage bloom?

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

Does Forsythia Sage need full sun?

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

Is Forsythia Sage drought tolerant?

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