Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink'
ABOUT
Salvia greggii 'Stormy Pink', commonly known as Autumn Sage, showcases a vibrant display of ornamental qualities. This perennial shrub boasts a dense growth of small, aromatic, green leaves which provide a lush backdrop for its standout feature, the blossoms. The leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed and are visually soft, with a slightly textured surface. Blooming profusely in the warmer months, Autumn Sage 'Stormy Pink' produces a profusion of eye-catching flowers. Each bloom is characterized by a tubular shape that flares out into two lip-like structures at the open end. The flowers appear in clusters, and as the variety name 'Stormy Pink' suggests, they exhibit a charming shade of light to medium pink, with subtle variations that may include hints of rose or lilac undertones, providing a stormy, muted appeal rather than a bright, neon presence. The overall effect of the plant is a delicate interplay of color, with the soft pink blooms creating a continuous wave of color against the slightly darker green of the foliage. The presentation of the leaves and flowers on the plant can create a textured and layered appearance that adds depth and visual interest to gardens and landscapes. The Autumn Sage 'Stormy Pink' is often adored not just for its visual aesthetics but also for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, thus adding an additional dynamic of movement and life to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia, Texas Sage
Common names
Salvia greggii.
ToxicityTo humans
Autumn Sage is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, and it is always prudent to avoid ingesting plant parts without proper knowledge. Ingesting significant amounts of Autumn Sage is not advised, but it typically does not cause severe symptoms or poisoning in humans.
To pets
Autumn Sage is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. While it is not known to cause serious harm, pets may sometimes experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest a large amount of the plant. It is always wise to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating large quantities of any non-food plants, as individual animals may react differently.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Southwest USA
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Adapts well to a variety of soil conditions and climates.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry climates.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, supporting pollination.
- Low Maintenance: Needs little care beyond the occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers for an extended period, often from spring through frost.
- Deer Resistant: Less appealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in borders, as groundcover, or in containers for various design uses.
- Colorful Foliage: Offers attractive foliage that can enhance the visual appeal of a garden.
- Privacy and Screening: When grouped, can provide a low hedge or screen, offering some privacy.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting natural dyes: The flowers of Autumn Sage can be used to produce a range of natural dyes for textiles, providing shades of pink and red depending on the mordant used.
- Garden borders: Autumn Sage's compact growth habit makes it ideal for creating defined edges in garden landscapes.
- Wildlife garden: Its tubular flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
- Baking ingredient: Fresh blooms can be used to add a subtle herby flavor and decorative touch to cakes and pastries.
- Fragrance sachets: Dried Autumn Sage leaves and flowers can fill sachets to freshen up drawers and closets with their pleasant scent.
- Floral arrangements: The vibrant flowers and pleasant fragrance make Autumn Sage a lovely addition to fresh-cut floral arrangements.
- Art supplies: Children can use the stems and leaves as natural paintbrushes for a unique painting experience.
- Companion planting: Autumn Sage can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes, as they may help deter pests with their aromatic foliage.
- Homemade potpourri: Dried leaves and flowers contribute to a fragrant potpourri blend that can be used to scent rooms naturally.
- Fairy gardens: The small stature and colorful blossoms make Autumn Sage a charming addition to whimsical fairy gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAutumn Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAutumn Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wisdom: "Salvia" is derived from the Latin word "salvare," meaning "to save" or "to heal," suggesting the plant's connection to wisdom and knowledge.
- Healing: Many Salvia species, including Autumn Sage, have been used traditionally in herbal remedies for their assumed medicinal properties, representing healing and protection.
- Longevity: The enduring and hardy nature of Autumn Sage symbolizes long life and sometimes immortality.
- Sensuality: With its vibrant 'Stormy Pink' flowers, the plant is often associated with sensuality and the attraction of love.
- Spiritual Enlightenment: Salvia plants have been used in spiritual practices for their purported ability to induce visions and enhance spiritual insight, signifying enlightenment.
WaterAutumn 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.
LightAutumn 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.
TemperatureAutumn 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.
PruningPrune 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.
CleaningNot needed
SoilAutumn 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.
RepottingAutumn 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 & MistingAutumn 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 locationsIndoor
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 cycleSalvia 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.
PropogationPropogation 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.
