Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii 'Mirage Cherry Red'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
14 inches
Width
16 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southwestern US, Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Salvia greggii, or Autumn Sage, is a small, woody perennial native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, prized for its aromatic foliage and long season of vibrant, tubular flowers. Mirage Cherry Red is a compact, well-branched cultivar with excellent heat tolerance, producing a profusion of non-fading, vivid cherry-red blooms from spring until frost.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a location with at least six hours of direct sun daily.
- Amend soil with grit or compost to ensure sharp drainage.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Position the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface.
- Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
- Water thoroughly after planting and only when dry thereafter.
Pro Tip
Provide excellent drainage and avoid heavy clay soils; this plant thrives on neglect and lean conditions once established.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best flowering and densest habit.
- Use a gritty, well-draining soil mix.
- Prune back in early spring to shape and promote new growth.
- Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Don't
- Do not overwater or plant in soggy, poorly drained locations.
- Avoid rich fertilizers, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
- Don't prune heavily in the fall, as this can reduce winter hardiness.
- Do not crowd plants; ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage questions
What zones can Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage grow in?
Mirage Cherry Red 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 Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage deer resistant?
Yes — Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage bloom?
Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage typically blooms in late spring through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage need full sun?
Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mirage Cherry Red Autumn Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Mirage Cherry Red Autumn 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.
