Salvia greggii 'Flame' Autumn Sage
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly color.
The Salvia greggii 'Flame' Autumn Sage is a vibrant, evergreen perennial that brings a splash of color to any garden. It features abundant scarlet red blooms from mid-spring through mid-fall, set against attractive light green foliage. This adaptable plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is known for being low maintenance and drought-tolerant. It's an excellent choice for mixed containers, borders, and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, while also being deer resistant and tolerant of urban pollution.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Mature Height
24
/ inches
Who it's for
- Wildlife gardeners wanting to attract hummingbirds and butterflies
- Water-conscious gardeners in hot, arid climates
- Landscape designers seeking long-lasting, vibrant seasonal color
Who should skip it
- Low-maintenance gardeners who prefer hands-off plant care
- Gardeners working with heavy, poorly draining clay soil
- Residents in humid climates lacking optimal air circulation
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
A reliable magnet for local bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal water once established in the landscape.
Bloom Duration
Provides consistent scarlet color from mid-spring through late autumn.
Maintenance Effort
Requires very little intervention to maintain its tidy, vibrant form.
Deer Resistance
Less likely to be targeted by local wildlife than other perennials.
Urban Adaptability
Handles city pollution well, making it ideal for street-side gardens.
Key Specs
Mature Height
24 inches
Mature Width
3 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Lifespan
Approximately 5 years
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Dry to Moist (Waterwise)
Soil Preference
Rich soils
USDA Hardiness Zone
7
Features
- Abundant scarlet red blooms spring to fall
- Evergreen foliage for year-round color
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Low maintenance and drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Mildly fragrant flowers
- Tolerant of urban pollution
- Suitable for container 'thriller' element
What customers say
The 'Flame' Autumn Sage is consistently praised for its exceptional quality and reliability. Customers appreciate its immediate vibrancy and robust health upon arrival, noting the striking, long lasting red blooms as a significant design feature. This Salvia is remarkably easy to care for, establishing quickly with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Its hardiness and ability to attract hummingbirds confirm its strong value, offering dependable color and beauty to any landscape.
Know before you buy
You can expect a long season of color with this variety, as it produces scarlet red blooms consistently from mid-spring through mid-fall.
No, it is quite drought-tolerant. While it appreciates rich soil, it is considered a waterwise plant that thrives in conditions ranging from dry to moderately moist.
Yes, it is an excellent choice for supporting local ecosystems. The flowers are specifically known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
It performs beautifully in containers and works well as a 'thriller' element in mixed arrangements. Just ensure your pot has good drainage and receives adequate sunlight.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, Salvia greggii is widely considered deer resistant, meaning it is typically low on the list of plants that deer prefer to graze upon.
Since this plant reaches a mature width of about 3 feet, you should space them at least 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12