Mirage Deep Purple Autumn Sage

Common Names

Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia, Texas Sage, Red Chihuahuan Sage

Summary

Salvia greggii, commonly Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, or Gregg's Sage, is a drought-tolerant evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub in the mint family native to Texas and northern Mexico. It typically grows 2–3 feet tall and wide, has aromatic leaves, and bears tubular two-lipped flowers in red, pink, purple, white, or orange that bloom from spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, tolerates heat and drought, and is hardy in USDA zones 6–9. It suits borders, rock gardens, containers, and xeriscaping; propagation is commonly by cuttings, with seeds or division also possible; pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact habit and encourages continued blooms.

Lifecycle

Perennial (may be treated as an annual in colder areas).

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun or partial shade, some shade tolerated in very hot climates.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, preferably sandy or rocky

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; cannot tolerate soggy or waterlogged conditions

Soil pH

6.0-7.8

tolerates acidic to alkaline soils; no single ideal pH

Bloom Color

Red, Pink, Purple, White

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators