How to Plant Autumn Sage

Overview

Autumn sage, or Salvia greggii, is a perennial shrub that blooms from late spring into the fall with white, pink or red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Autumn sage grows to about 3 feet tall with a 3-foot spread and enjoys drier soils and soils with excellent drainage. Plant you autumn sage in early spring, especially if you live in a colder region. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, meaning it tolerates temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1

Find a planting site that receives full sunlight. Select a site where the soil is well-drained and slightly sandy.

Step 2

Dig a hole for each autumn sage plant that is the same depth as and twice the width of the container or root ball. Space the plants 3 to 5 feet apart.

Step 3

Place the root ball into the planting hole and backfill the soil into the hole, tamping the dirt down around the roots. Water the soil around the autumn sage plant to moisten it.

Step 4

Water your autumn sage to supplement rainfall through the growing season every four to six days and every seven to 10 days during winter. Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.

Step 5

Prune away dead and damaged stems in late winter and midsummer. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant in the fall to protect it against winter cold.