| Salvia greggii | |
|---|---|
| Salvia greggii 'Coronado Pink' | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Salvia |
| Species: | S. greggii |
| Binomial name | |
| Salvia greggii A.Gray |
|
Salvia greggii (Autumn sage) is a herbaceous perennial native to a long, narrow area from southwest Texas, through the Chihuahuan Desert and into the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, typically growing in rocky soils at elevations from 5,000-9,000 feet. It was named and described in 1870 by botanist Asa Gray after J. Gregg, a Mexican trader who found and collected the plant in Texas. It is closely related to and frequently hybridizes with Salvia microphylla. Contrary to its common name, it blooms throughout the summer and autumn.[1]
Salvia greggii is a highly variable plant, with numerous named cultivars, reaching anywhere from 1–4 feet in height and less in width. It can be either upright or mounding. The leaves are typically mid-green and glabrous, tending to be less than 1 inch long. Flower size and color are extremely variable. Flowers reach from .25-1 inch in length, and include many shades of scarlet and red (most common in the wild), along with rose, white, pink, lavender, apricot, and violet. The plant is used widely in horticulture.[1]
Popular named cultivars include 'Furman's Red', a cultivar from Texas that blooms profusely in autumn with dark red flowers. Big Pink has a large lower lip with a deep pink color and lavender tint. 'Purple Pastel' is a small variety that repeat blooms in autumn. 'Cherry Chief 'blooms reliably in the humid southern United States. 'Desert Pastel' has pale apricot flowers with yellow streaks, and prefers mild climates.[1]