How to Identify Autumn Sage Plant Varieties

Autumn sage, also known as Gregg’s sage or Texas sage, is a beautiful and versatile perennial plant ideal for gardens With its aromatic leaves and vibrant tubular flowers, autumn sage comes in a wide range of varieties, each with distinct characteristics. Learning how to identify the different autumn sage varieties can help you select the right one for your landscape In this comprehensive guide, I will outline the key features like flower color, foliage, and growth habit that distinguish autumn sage varieties.

Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is native to Texas and northern Mexico. It is a woody perennial subshrub with aromatic, slightly sticky light green leaves. The small tubular flowers bloom in clusters on short terminal stems from spring to frost. While red is the most common, autumn sage flowers can range from white, pink, orange, purple and more thanks to cultivated varieties.

Beyond gorgeous flowers, autumn sage is also drought tolerant once established and attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil Autumn sage can work well in borders, beds, containers, and xeriscapes. With proper winter protection, it grows as a perennial in USDA Zones 6-10.

Flower Color Variations

One of the most distinguishing features between autumn sage varieties is the flower color. While wild types have red blooms, cultivation has expanded the color range dramatically. Here are some top varieties categorized by bloom color:

• Red ‘Furman’s Red’ has velvety crimson flowers while ‘Radio Red’ bears bright cherry red blooms

• White: ‘Navajo White’ and ‘Snow White’ have crisp, clean white flowers perfect for moon gardens.

• Pink: Varieties like ‘Pink Preference’ and ‘Amistad’ have soft, rosy pink flowers that add a delicate touch.

• Purple: Rich violet blooms on ‘Purple Majesty’ and ‘Black & Blue’ offer dramatic contrast.

• Orange: For warm, fiery colors, grow ‘Pumpkin Spice’ or ‘Orange County’.

• Bicolor: ‘Hot Lips’ has red and white blooms starting as solid red before revealing bold white markings.

Foliage Differences

While the foliage of most varieties is aromatic and green, there are subtle differences in leaf shape, color, and texture.

• Leaf shape: Leaves can be wide or narrow. ‘Cherry Chief’ has broad serrated leaves while ‘Flame’ has slender elongated leaves.

• Leaf color: Along with green, some like ‘Raspberry Delight’ have gray-green or silver-green leaves.

• Leaf texture: Leaves may be smooth, fuzzy, glossy, crinkled etc. ‘Lipstick’ has fuzzy leaves while ‘Maraschino’ has crinkled leaves.

Observe the foliage characteristics like shape, surface texture, margin appearance, and color variegation to help identify varieties.

Growth Habits

Growth habits – whether upright, mounding, compact, trailing, or spreading also helps distinguish autumn sage varieties:

• Compact bushy: ‘Radio Red’ and ‘Heatwave Blaze’ form tidy mounds perfect for beds or containers.

• Trailing: ‘Wild Thing’ and ‘Pink Trailing’ cascade beautifully over walls and edges.

• Upright: ‘Blaze Pink’ grows upright like a torch for dramatic height.

• Spreading: ‘Ember’s Wish’ spreads out as a dense ground cover.

Select autumn sage varieties based on the growth habit best suited to your landscape needs.

Ideal Growing Conditions

While autumn sage adapts well to various conditions, it thrives best in:

• Full sun exposure
• Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Regular irrigation until established
• Pruning in spring to shape and promote blooms
• Shelter from harsh winter in cooler climates

Amend soil with compost when planting autumn sage. Allow 1-3 feet of space between plants depending on variety size.

Tips for Care and Maintenance

Caring for autumn sage properly helps the plants thrive:

• Water young plants regularly until their root systems establish. Then water only when top few inches of soil are dry.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost 1-2 times a year. Avoid excess nitrogen.

• Prune lightly after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape plants.

• Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Watch for pests like spider mites, aphids, whiteflies etc. Treat promptly if found.

• Cut plants back by a third in late fall if winters are harsh. Add winter mulch.

With attention to their unique characteristics and proper care, you can grow fabulous autumn sage varieties to enhance your landscape all season long.