Autumn Sage Salvia greggii 'Sungold'
ABOUT
Salvia greggii 'Sungold', commonly known as Autumn Sage, is a vibrant flowering perennial known for its showy display and attractive foliage. This cultivar, 'Sungold', is distinguished by its striking golden-yellow flowers which are arranged in whorls along the flowering stems. Each individual bloom is tubular and small with a slightly two-lipped appearance, typical of Salvia species. The blossoms can create a prolific display, often blooming from late spring through to the first frost, thereby injecting a long-lasting splash of color into the garden. The plant's foliage consists of small, oval to lance-shaped leaves with a slightly glossy surface. The leaves are aromatic when crushed, exuding a pleasant, herb-like fragrance. Their color is typically a bright green, providing a perfect backdrop that accentuates the radiant yellow blossoms. The overall look of the Autumn Sage is bushy and full, with the flowers densely packed atop the foliage in an attractive, casual mound, urging butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees into the garden with its nectar-rich flowers.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg's Sage, Texas Red Sage.
Common names
Salvia greggii 'Sungold'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Autumn Sage, commonly known as Salvia greggii 'Sungold', is not typically toxic to humans. If ingested in large quantities, it might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not known to cause serious poisoning or life-threatening symptoms.
To pets
Autumn Sage, commonly known as Salvia greggii 'Sungold', is generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not listed as a poisonous plant for dogs or cats by major organizations such as the ASPCA. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but it is not expected to cause severe poisoning or long-term health issues.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Southwest USA, Mexico
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Salvia greggii 'Sungold' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is highly drought-resistant, making it ideal for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It is easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once it is settled in its preferred environment.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period from spring to frost, providing extended visual interest.
- Deer Resistance: This Salvia variety is typically resistant to deer, reducing the risk of damage in gardens where deer are common.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in various garden settings, including borders, containers, and as ground cover, due to its adaptable nature.
- Colorful Foliage: Provides a splash of vibrant color with its flowers, which can complement various design schemes.
- Fragrant Foliage: The leaves emit a pleasing fragrance when brushed against, adding an olfactory dimension to the garden.
- Heat Tolerance: Thrives in hot climates, making it suitable for gardens in warmer regions.
- Soil Adaptability: Able to grow in a range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
- Medical Properties
- Antioxidant properties: Salvia species contain various compounds that may exhibit antioxidant activity.
- Antimicrobial activity: Some components in Salvia plants might have antimicrobial effects against certain pathogens.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Attracting Hummingbirds: Autumn Sage is a natural attractor for hummingbirds, providing them with nectar and encouraging these vibrant birds to visit the garden.
- Beneficial Insects Hub: The plant can serve as a habitat and food source for beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Arts and Crafts: The colorful blossoms of Autumn Sage can be used in dried floral arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects.
- Culinary Garnish: Fresh flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color to dishes.
- Photography: Autumn Sage, with its vivid blooms, offers photographers a vibrant subject to capture in gardens and natural settings.
- Education: Autumn Sage can be used as a teaching tool for horticultural classes, demonstrating plant care and propagation techniques.
- Erosion Control: Planting Autumn Sage on slopes can help prevent soil erosion due to its root system binding the soil.
- Cultural Celebrations: In certain cultures, the plant might be incorporated into celebrations and rituals for its aesthetic qualities.
- Natural Dye: The flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or artwork, providing a range of warm colors.
- Stress Relief: The act of gardening with Autumn Sage can provide therapeutic relief from stress and an opportunity to engage with nature.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Autumn Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Autumn Sage is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Salvias have been known for their medicinal properties, symbolizing health and healing.
- Wisdom: The name 'Salvia' comes from the Latin word salvere, meaning "to save" or "to heal," which is often associated with wisdom.
- Longevity: Because many salvias are hardy and long-lived, they can represent enduring life and immortality.
- Protection: In some cultures, salvias are thought to offer protection against evil and negativity.
- Water
Autumn Sage should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage a strong root system. During the growing season, generally water approximately once per week with about one gallon of water per plant, adjusting for local weather conditions, especially in hot, dry, or windy climates which might necessitate more frequent watering. Ensure the soil dries out between watering to prevent root rot. During winter or in cooler temperatures, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
- Light
Autumn Sage thrives in full sun to light shade, but it will produce the most abundant blooms with the longest flowering season when planted in an area that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the plant is positioned where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for optimal growth and flowering potential.
- Temperature
Autumn Sage is heat-tolerant and prefers warm conditions with temperatures ranging between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand occasional dips in temperature down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is best to protect it from prolonged freezes. Ideal growth occurs within the warmer end of this temperature spectrum.
- Pruning
Prune Autumn Sage in the late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove any dead or damaged stems and about one-third of the plant’s height to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the season to shape the plant and remove spent flowers, which encourages additional blooms.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Autumn Sage prefers well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, ideally with added compost or other organic matter. The best soil mix for Autumn Sage ('Sungold') would be a blend of two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to encourage drainage and fertility. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Autumn Sage should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. If the plant shows signs of stress, like stunted growth or yellowing leaves, check the roots and repot if necessary.
- Humidity & Misting
Autumn Sage thrives in low to moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments. It does not require high humidity and is quite tolerant of dry air, making it suitable for most home garden settings without the need for additional humidity adjustments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide full sun, well-draining soil, and moderate water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Salvia greggii 'Sungold', commonly known as Autumn Sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure to germinate effectively. Sprouting occurs when temperatures are favorable, usually in late spring or early summer, producing small seedlings with characteristically sage-like foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a woody base and branches out to form a bushy structure, adorned with vibrant gold flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early frost. Throughout its blooming period, Autumn Sage attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which aid in the pollination process. With proper care, including occasional pruning and watering during dry spells, it becomes a perennial plant, retreating into dormancy over the winter months before regrowing from its woody base each spring. After several years, productivity may decline, at which point the plant can be propagated from cuttings or allowed to self-seed, continuing its life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Fall
Salvia greggii 'Sungold', commonly known as Autumn Sage, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still flexible. To propagate, a cutting of 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) is taken from the tip of a healthy stem, just below a node. Leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the exposed stem is often dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the soil. It's crucial to maintain moisture and provide a warm environment, but not direct sunlight, until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has established a sufficient root system, it can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.