Wildflower/Perennial
Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii · Lamiaceae
Also called: Gregg Salvia, Cherry Sage
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) is a low-water wildflower/perennial well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It grows to 2-3 ft H x 2-3 ft W, with a moderate to fast growth rate.
Autumn Sage at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to light afternoon shade; afternoon shade improves appearance and reduces stress in low-desert summers
- Mature size
- 2-3 ft H x 2-3 ft W
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
- Bloom
- Most commonly red; cultivars range through pink, coral, salmon, white, purple and bicolors, Spring through fall, with peak bloom in spring and again in fall; heaviest in cooler weather
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 0-10 F; USDA zones 6-9
- Soil
- Well-drained soils; tolerant of native desert and rocky soils; needs good drainage to avoid root rot
- Native range
- Chihuahuan Desert region of west Texas and northern/central Mexico; not native to the Sonoran Desert but well adapted to it
- Best used as
- Hummingbird and pollinator gardens, Perennial borders and foundation plantings, Mass color plantings, Mixed xeriscape and oasis-zone beds
- Wildlife
- Excellent hummingbird plant; also attracts butterflies and native bees.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic; considered safe around people and pets.
How to grow Autumn Sage in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Low water once established but appreciates more than a true desert native; water deeply about every 7-10 days in summer heat, less in cooler months. Best with regular deep soaks during bloom.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeding is beneficial; apply a balanced or slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support flowering. Generally low nutrient needs and tolerates lean soils.
Pruning & care
Shear lightly after each bloom flush to deadhead and encourage rebloom. Cut back by about one-third to one-half in late winter to maintain density and prevent woodiness and legginess.
Notes
A reliable, long-blooming shrubby perennial that flowers through much of the year in Tucson, especially in spring and fall. Performs best with a bit more water and afternoon shade than strict desert natives; periodic shearing keeps it full and floriferous.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; AMWUA Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Tucson Botanical Gardens