Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii): A Long-Blooming, Drought-Tolerant Shrub

Easy Color from Summer Through Fall

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) delivers a profusion of blooms from the hottest summer days into the chilly nights of fall. A member of the vast mint family (over 900 Salvia species worldwide), this tough, low-maintenance shrub is ideal for beds, borders, and water-wise gardens.

Flower & Foliage

Whorls of small, two-lipped flowers (an inch or less) appear in shades of red, pink, and white. Rounded or narrow leaves are about an inch long, adding fine texture.

Size & Varieties

Varieties range from 1 to 4 feet tall and wide; most widely available types reach about 2½ feet.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Full sun.
• Water: Drought-tolerant but looks best with moderate, deep watering.
• Soil: Well-drained.
• Zones: Sunset zones 8–24.
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter or early spring; shape before spring bloom.

Companion Plants

Pair with other drought-tolerant perennials: lavender, gaura, other salvias, rockrose, helichrysum, and artemisia.

Reliable, colorful, and carefree—autumn sage earns its place in any sunny garden.