Autumn Sage Plant Care
Salvia greggii A.Gray
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.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
What Is the Autumn Sage?
Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Salvia genus. Autumn Sage is 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. Autumn Sage is also known as Gregg's Sage, Cherry Sage.
Autumn Sage displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 inches tall with a spread of approximately 2 inches. Autumn Sage produces colorful spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Autumn Sage?
Salvia greggii requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Autumn Sage Need?
Autumn Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–6000 lux. Avoid placing Autumn Sage in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
2000–6000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Autumn Sage Prefer?
Salvia greggii grows best at temperatures between 50°F and 90°F. Autumn Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Autumn Sage?
Well-draining sandy loam with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Autumn Sage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Autumn Sage?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Autumn Sage?
Autumn Sage can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sage plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Autumn Sage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Autumn Sage?
Autumn Sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Autumn Sage Need?
Autumn Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. 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, Autumn Sage is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Autumn Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Autumn Sage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Salvia genus — compare its care with other Salvia species on PlantoScan.
Autumn Sage tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Salvia Species
Other Salvia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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