Cherry Red Sage

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

Cherry Red Sage (Salvia greggii 'Cherry Queen') – A Bright and Drought-Tolerant Choice for Arizona Landscapes

Cherry Red Sage, also known as Salvia greggii 'Cherry Queen', is a perennial shrub that brings vibrant color, fragrance, and wildlife appeal to Arizona gardens. Originating from the arid regions of Texas and Mexico, this hardy sage variety is perfect for desert landscapes, thriving in hot, sunny conditions with minimal water.

Key Features of Cherry Red Sage

1. Bright, Cherry Red Flowers
   One of the most captivating features of Cherry Red Sage is its abundant, cherry red blooms. These small, vivid flowers appear from spring until the first frost, creating a long-lasting display of color in the garden. The bright red flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and enhancing the garden's biodiversity.

2. Aromatic Green Foliage
   The leaves of Cherry Red Sage are small, fragrant, and a vibrant shade of green. They form a dense, bushy structure that contrasts beautifully with the bold red blooms, adding texture and depth to garden designs. The aromatic foliage also provides sensory appeal, releasing a pleasant fragrance when brushed against.

Growing Cherry Red Sage in Arizona

Cherry Red Sage is well-suited to Arizona's hot, dry climate, making it a reliable option for low-maintenance landscaping:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, producing the most flowers with maximum sun exposure.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
• Water: Highly drought-tolerant once established, Cherry Red Sage requires minimal watering, contributing to water conservation in arid landscapes.

Landscape Uses

With its vibrant blooms and compact size, Cherry Red Sage is highly versatile in garden design:

• Borders and Edges: Adds a pop of color and structure to borders and garden edges.
• Rock Gardens and Xeriscaping: Complements desert-style landscaping with its drought tolerance and colorful flowers.
• Container Gardening: Ideal for pots and containers, adding color and interest to patios and small spaces.
• Wildlife Gardens: Enhances ecological value by attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Maintenance Tips

Cherry Red Sage is a low-maintenance plant, but a few simple steps can help it thrive:

• Pruning: Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages more blooms.
• Watering: Minimal watering once established, especially suitable for dry climates like Arizona.
• Fertilization: Requires little to no fertilization; however, light feeding in early spring can enhance growth.

Order Cherry Red Sage for Your Arizona Garden at Three Timbers Shop

Add the vibrant beauty of Cherry Red Sage to your Arizona landscape by ordering from ThreeTimbersShop.com. This hardy, drought-tolerant sage variety brings continuous color and wildlife appeal to desert gardens, making it an ideal choice for sustainable landscaping in the Phoenix Valley. Perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or container gardening, Cherry Red Sage offers both ornamental beauty and ecological benefits, enhancing the natural beauty of your outdoor spaces.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• 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: Cherry Red Sage grows as a compact shrub and does not require staking

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 help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Cherry Red Sage is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

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.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant
• Adjusting Frequency: In the summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks