Plant of the Month: Little Leaf Sage, Autumn Sage, and Offspring

Turtle Bay’s plants of the months are the long-blooming and water-wise, small to medium shrub Salvias – Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii and their interspecific hybrid offspring Salvia x jamensis.

“They have an elegant contrast between foliage and flowers,” says Lisa Edicott, Turtle Bay’s Horticulture Manager.

Their flowers bloom in a rainbow of colors and bloom until frost if they are occasionally “deadheaded” (spent flowers and flower stems cut off) throughout the season.

Salvia greggii grows in a narrow range at higher elevations (5,000-9,000 ft.) from Southwest Texas throughout the Chihuahuan Desert, and found in sunny and dry locations. In the Redding area, this plant and the closely related Salvia microphylla and Salvia x jamensis grow best in well draining locations with weekly water to encourage blooming and repeat blooming after deadheading.

Salvia microphylla, which is closely related to S. greggi and crosses distribution territory with S. greggi in various locations, is not as free blooming as S. greggi, but the interspecific hybrids of both are as free-blooming and S. greggi and seem to encompass a wider variety of bloom colors than either of its parents.

Both S. greggi and Salvia x jamensis can seed freely if in a suitable location (well draining, preferably lean soil).

If in doubt with any plant, research the plant's original growing conditions. If a man-made hybrid, the growing conditions may vary somewhat. Take in consideration the differences in climate from the original growing locales. Just because a S. greggi, S. microphylla, and S. x jamensis grows in lean, rocky soil with no water, the elevation is most often much higher than the 500-600 ft. of the Redding area. Cooler temps come with higher elevation.

Another fun thing about these plants if you like critters in your yard is “Hummingbirds will also try to own them,” says Linda Russo, Senior Horticulturist and Nursery Specialist at Turtle Bay. “They are wonderful with the bees, butterflies, and the birds.”

How to Care For These Plants:

• Give a good soak once a week if planted in the ground, more if in a pot and depending on the pot size. Great for water restrictions.

• Check often and deadhead when needed to encourage more blooming.

• Keep in sunny areas.