Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) SAL-vee-ah GREG-ee-eye Genus:  Salvia This native of Texas and Mexico has a woody base and can form a dwarf, evergreen shrub, 1 foot tall by 1 foot wide. It has small, leathery leaves and bears bright flowers in shades of pink, purple, or yellow from early summer to frost. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Salvia are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. The flowers are made up of two lips: the upper one forms a hood over whiskery stamens and the lower lip, which itself is wide and toothed. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them.  Care:  Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Propagation:  Sow seed, or divide plants, in spring. Problems:  Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Fall, Summer Flower Color Pink, Purple, Yellow Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Ground Covers, Indoor Plant, Naturalizing, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Perennials