Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Desert Blaze' (v)

Water

Autumn Sage requires regular watering to establish a deep root system and then can be maintained with less frequent waterings. Water the plant deeply about once a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly to encourage root growth. During the hot summer months, increase watering to twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time. Reduce the frequency in cooler months or during periods of rain, but never let the soil completely dry out. During winter, when the plant is dormant, minimal watering is required, only enough to prevent the soil from becoming desiccated.

Light

Autumn Sage thrives in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal location is in a spot where the morning sun can dry the dew off its leaves, preventing fungal diseases. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching. Make sure to place the plant in an area that is not shaded by larger plants or structures during peak sun hours.

Temperature

Autumn Sage is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best between 60-85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, making it suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6-9. High temperatures above 90°F may require additional watering to keep the plant in optimal condition. It is not tolerant of prolonged extreme cold and should be given protection or moved indoors if temperatures are expected to fall significantly below freezing for an extended period.

Pruning

Autumn Sage should be pruned to encourage bushiness and to remove any spent flowers or dead growth, which promotes further blooming and maintains the plant's appearance. Prune in early spring before new growth begins by cutting back about one-third of the plant's size. Deadhead flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage new blooms. Additionally, an end-of-season pruning in late fall can help maintain shape and prepare the plant for winter.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Autumn Sage prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost works well to replicate its native growing conditions. Amend the soil with perlite or small gravel to ensure good drainage.

Repotting

Autumn Sage doesn't require frequent repotting and can generally be repotted once every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot and the roots are crowding.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn Sage thrives in moderate to low humidity levels common in arid and semi-arid regions, reflecting its native habitat. It does not require high humidity to grow well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, minimal water, and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space for air flow.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Autumn Sage 'Desert Blaze' is a perennial shrub that begins its life cycle with seed germination, occurring typically in spring under favorable temperatures and soil conditions. After sprouting, the plant enters a vegetative stage, developing a woody stem structure, leaves, and a root system that establishes the plant firmly in the ground. During its growing season, which is primarily spring to fall, 'Desert Blaze' produces vibrant red flowers that attract pollinators and are followed by the formation of small black seeds. After the flowering stage, the plant goes into a dormancy period in winter, conserving energy by shedding some leaves and slowing its growth in response to cooler temperatures and less daylight. With the return of warmer weather, the plant breaks dormancy and resumes active growth, leading to a new cycle of blooming. Over several years, 'Desert Blaze' can grow into a sizable bush, but its life span can be extended through regular pruning and maintenance, encouraging rejuvenation and preventing the plant from becoming leggy or overgrown.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Autumn Sage 'Desert Blaze' can be effectively propagated through softwood cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. The optimal time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when new growth is still soft and flexible. To propagate, a gardener would cut a 3-6 inch (7.6-15.2 cm) portion of the stem, taking care to include at least two sets of leaves or nodes. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one set of nodes is beneath the soil surface. The container with the cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, indirect light location until roots have established, which can often be checked by gently tugging on the cutting to feel for resistance after a few weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container or into the garden.