Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink'

Water

Autumn Sage should be watered regularly but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. On average, this means watering once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly, ensuring that water reaches the roots. The plant may need more frequent watering during extended periods of high heat or drought. It's a drought-tolerant plant, so it's better to under-water than over-water. As a guideline, provide about 1-2 gallons of water per plant every week, adjusting as necessary for weather conditions.

Light

Autumn Sage thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. If planted in partial shade, it may not bloom as profusely.

Temperature

Autumn Sage prefers a temperate climate and can endure a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive higher temperatures if properly watered but may need protection from frost in lower temperatures.

Pruning

Prune Autumn Sage in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape, encourage bushiness, and remove any dead or damaged branches. Light pruning can also be done throughout the growing season to stimulate new growth and more blooms. The best time for heavy pruning is after the last frost when the plant is beginning to grow again.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Autumn Sage prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix for Autumn Sage should consist of a blend of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Adding a slow-release fertilizer at planting time can benefit plant health.

Repotting

Autumn Sage does not necessarily need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the root system has outgrown the current container.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn Sage prefers low to moderate humidity levels and does not require high humidity to thrive. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can endure dry air conditions typical of its native habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide sun, well-draining soil, minimal water, and a cool winter.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water moderately.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink', commonly known as Autumn Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after germination grows into a seedling. As the plant matures, it develops a woody stem and establishes a deep root system, allowing it to thrive in hot and dry conditions. The perennial shrub enters an active growth phase in the spring, producing small, oval-shaped leaves and numerous pink flowers that attract pollinators. During the summer, it continues to bloom sporadically, while in the fall, the blooming intensifies, lending the plant its common name. Once winter approaches, the Autumn Sage may enter a period of dormancy, especially in cooler climates, where it can die back and then resprout from the base in the following spring. Throughout its life, regular pruning promotes bushier growth and more abundant flowering, and with proper care, it can live for several years, completing its cycle over and over.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink', can be effectively propagated by stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant during the active growing season, typically in spring or early summer. Cut a piece of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure to make the cut just below a leaf node. Strip off the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least a couple of leaf nodes are buried in the soil. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged and placed in a warm spot with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months. After roots have formed, the new Autumn Sage plant can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.