Autumn Sage 'Caramba' Salvia greggii 'Caramba' (v)
ABOUT
A bushy dwarf plant to 40-50cm tall, branching mainly from the base and evergreen if not cut back by frosts, with aromatic, small, ovate, downy, mid green leaves with a narrow white margin. Bright crimson flowers with purple calyx are borne in terminal racemes from summer to autumn continuing to the first frosts
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia, Texas Red Sage
Common names
Salvia greggii 'Caramba' (v).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia greggii 'Caramba' (also known as Autumn Sage) is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Autumn Sage is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant typically requires minimal care, thriving in a variety of conditions without needing frequent watering or special treatments.
- Long Blooming Season: Autumn Sage boasts a long flowering season, providing colorful blooms from spring to fall.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Easy to Propagate: These plants can be easily propagated by cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Suitable for use in borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover, this sage offers versatile options for garden design.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage, Autumn Sage adds visual interest and beauty to the landscape.
- Herbaceous Fragrance: The foliage of Autumn Sage emits a pleasant, herbaceous scent that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Heat Tolerance: Capable of withstanding high temperatures, it is an excellent choice for hot, sunny locations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aromatic Additions: The leaves of the Autumn Sage can be used to impart a subtle aroma in potpourris and scented sachets, adding a touch of fragrance to drawers and closets.
- Crafting Projects: The colorful flowers can be dried and used in various crafting projects, such as creating natural jewelry or decorating picture frames.
- Insect Repellent: Some gardeners plant Autumn Sage amongst their vegetable gardens, as its scent is believed to help repel certain garden pests.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh or dried flowers can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts for a pop of color and a hint of flavor.
- Dye Source: The flowers and leaves can be used to make natural dyes for coloring fabrics or artisanal crafts.
- Companion Planting: Autumn Sage can be used in the garden to attract pollinators, which are beneficial for the pollination of nearby fruit and vegetable plants.
- Floral Arrangements: The vibrant flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements, adding a long-lasting splash of color to any room.
- Natural Border: Because of its dense growth habit, Autumn Sage can be planted in garden borders or along pathways to define areas with its foliage and blooms.
- Education: Autumn Sage is an excellent candidate for educational gardens, where students can learn about plant growth, pollination, and drought-resistant species.
- Soil Erosion Control: The plant's extensive root system can help with soil stabilization on slopes or in erosion-prone areas of the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Autumn Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Autumn Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a member of the Salvia family, which has been associated with healing properties in various cultures due to the medicinal uses of some Salvias.
- Wisdom - The name "salvia" is derived from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save" or "to heal," which imparts a symbolic connection to wisdom and knowledge, as these are traits that can safeguard one's well-being.
- Longevity - In some traditions, salvias are believed to promote long life, which can be symbolically linked to Autumn Sage, thus representing a long and healthy existence.
WaterAutumn Sage requires moderate watering. It should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, approximately 1 gallon per plant, once a week during the growing season. In hot, dry climates, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. During winter, reduce watering to bi-weekly or less, depending on rainfall. Always check the soil moisture before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water.
LightAutumn Sage prefers full sun to thrive. Ensure it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant is in a location where it is exposed to morning light and protected from the harsh afternoon sun, if possible, which could potentially stress the plant in very hot climates.
TemperatureAutumn Sage can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but performs best in areas where temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures well into the 90s°F. It is important to provide some protection or mulching if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for an extended period.
PruningPrune Autumn Sage to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged stems and cut back the plant by about one-third to one-half. Deadheading spent flowers during the growing season can also promote additional blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAutumn Sage thrives in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite would be ideal, with organic content to ensure fertility.
RepottingAutumn Sage should be repotted every 1-2 years or when rootbound to promote healthy growth and prevent overcrowding of the roots.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Sage prefers low to moderate humidity levels, typical of arid and semi-arid climates, and does not require high humidity to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and occasional watering for Autumn Sage.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water sparingly for Autumn Sage.
Hardiness zone
Autumn Sage is suitable for USDA zones 6-9.
Life cycleSalvia greggii 'Caramba', commonly known as Autumn Sage 'Caramba', begins its life as a seed, often germinating when conditions of warmth and moisture are met in late winter to early spring. The seedling emerges, developing into a small plant with distinctive foliage and a sturdy root system. Throughout the spring and into summer, the plant experiences rapid vegetative growth, producing many stems and leaves. By late spring to early summer, Autumn Sage 'Caramba' enters its flowering stage, producing vibrant blooms that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into small nutlets that house the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. In the fall and winter, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, conserving energy and resources, although in mild climates it may retain some foliage and sporadically bloom.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii 'Caramba', is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is most pliable. A cutting of about 3 to 5 inches (7 to 13 centimeters) is snipped just below a node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one node is below the soil surface. The pot is kept moist and in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Autumn Sage plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
