Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' — Bushy

Overview

Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' is a bushy perennial shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, containers, xeriscaping and pollinator gardens. It is native to southwest Texas and northern Mexico.

About

Salvia greggii, the autumn sage, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to a long, narrow area from southwest Texas, through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, typically growing in rocky soils at elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 ft. It was named and described in 1870 by botanist Asa Gray after Josiah Gregg (1806–1850), a merchant, explorer, naturalist, and author from the American Southwest and Northern Mexico, who found and collected the plant in Texas.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia greggii

About the genus

Salvia is the largest genus of plants in the sage family Lamiaceae, with just under 1,000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Within the Lamiaceae, Salvia is part of the tribe Mentheae within the subfamily Nepetoideae. One of several genera commonly referred to as sage, it includes two widely used herbs, Salvia officinalis and Salvia rosmarinus.

Wikipedia contributors, "Salvia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Salvia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Salvia

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained, sandy, rocky
Soil pH: neutral to slightly alkaline
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial shrub
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: borders, containers, xeriscaping, pollinator gardens
Native to: southwest Texas, northern Mexico
Fragrance: mildly aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
Propagation: cuttings, seed
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails, Aphids
Disease resistance: Honey fungus, Powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt, Foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

Where is the best place to plant Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips'?

Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' need?

Salvia greggii 'Amethyst Lips' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and rocky. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.