Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips' (Cherry Lips Autumn Sage) — Bushy

Overview

Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips' is a bushy perennial shrub in the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers, xeriscaping and pollinator gardens. It is native to Texas and 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, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: dry to medium
Aspect: south-facing
Exposure: open, sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
Propagation: softwood 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 'Cherry Lips'?

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

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

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

What soil does Salvia greggii 'Cherry Lips' need?

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