Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage

Salvia greggii A. Gray

SAL-vee-ah  GREG-ee-eye

Lamiaceae

Unless stated otherwise, data come from UFFPS-524 and from PBCC experience.

Explanation of name: for generic name, see Salvia coccinea. Specific epithet honors botanist Josiah Gregg (1806-1850).

Natural range: Texas, Mexico (GR1)

Recognition: Bushy, sub-shrubby mint with extensive basal branching. The leaves are small and leathery. Numerous variably reddish (near-white rich, deep pink, or near-red, depending on the cultivar) flowers are borne Spring-Fall loosely arranged but showy on vertical spikes often about a foot long.

Landscape uses: Tough, low-maintenance, abundantly flowering mint useful for clumps and mass plantings. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. Best in dryish, sunny areas, and not tolerant of excessive moisture