About
Salvia greggii, the autumn sage, is a bushy, dwarf, evergreen or herbaceous perennial to 30�50 cm with aromatic, small, ovate, downy, mid- to intense-green leaves. Red, purple, pink, yellow or violet flowers are borne in terminal racemes from late summer to autumn. A popular, free-flowering and rewarding sage for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toMexico, adjacent USA
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Needs a sheltered position but usually overwinters if given full sun and good drainage. Drought tolerant
PruningPruning group 9 in spring, deadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or autumn with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots