Autumn Sage Red

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: red
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Autumn Sage Red (Salvia greggii) – A Striking, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Arizona Gardens

Autumn Sage Red, a vivid variety of Salvia greggii, brings an eye-catching splash of red to Arizona landscapes, thriving in hot, arid climates with minimal water. Originating from Texas and Mexico, this resilient shrub is a favorite among gardeners looking to add color and pollinator appeal to their outdoor spaces.

Key Features of Autumn Sage Red

1. Bright Red Blooms
   Autumn Sage Red is renowned for its stunning red, tubular flowers that bloom from early spring to fall. These vibrant blooms provide a continuous display of color, particularly attractive to hummingbirds, making this plant ideal for wildlife and hummingbird gardens. Bees and butterflies are also drawn to the blooms, enhancing the garden's ecological value.

2. Aromatic, Glossy Foliage
   The small, glossy green leaves of Autumn Sage Red are aromatic, releasing a pleasant fragrance when touched or crushed. This foliage not only adds beauty but also contributes to the sensory appeal of the plant.

Growing Autumn Sage Red in Arizona

Autumn Sage Red is highly suited to Arizona’s climate, offering a low-maintenance solution for sustainable landscaping:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, essential for abundant blooming.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
• Water: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering in dry conditions.

Landscape Uses

This compact and resilient shrub is versatile in landscape design, offering various applications:

• Borders and Pathways: Adds color and structure to garden edges.
• Rock Gardens and Xeriscaping: Complements desert and dry gardens with its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers.
• Container Gardens: Its manageable size makes it perfect for container planting, ideal for patios and terraces.
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Maintenance Tips

With minimal care requirements, Autumn Sage Red is an ideal plant for busy gardeners:

• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and encourages denser blooming.
• Watering: Low water needs make it suitable for desert landscapes.
• Fertilization: Minimal fertilizer is required; a light feed in spring can boost growth if needed.

Add Autumn Sage Red to Your Arizona Landscape with Three Timbers Shop

Enhance your Arizona garden with the vibrant beauty of Autumn Sage Red by ordering from ThreeTimbersShop.com. Perfect for water-wise landscapes, rock gardens, and borders, this hardy sage offers extended blooms, attracts wildlife, and thrives with minimal care. Bring sustainable color and pollinator-friendly blooms to your landscape, creating an outdoor space that's both beautiful and resilient.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Autumn Sage Red

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal air circulation and growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking required; Autumn Sage Red grows as a compact shrub and is self-supporting

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to encourage deep root growth and establishment
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Autumn Sage Red is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins to show consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Autumn Sage Red is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure the water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water reaches the plant's root zone and penetrates deeply into the soil.
• Number of Emitters: Place 2 emitters around the base of each plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for drought-tolerant plants like Autumn Sage Red. This will allow you to adjust the watering frequency and duration to meet the plant’s specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: During the hot summer months, increase the watering frequency to every 5-7 days, especially during prolonged heat waves. In cooler months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Autumn Sage Red is drought-tolerant once established, so ensure that the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the plant.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and prevent weed growth. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant's stem.