Salvia greggii: A breath of warmth for your gardens
Portrait of a sage with intense colors and bright flowers
Salvia greggii, or shrubby sage, is a robust and floriferous plant that seduces with its rich and colorful flowers, perfect for adding dynamism and texture to your beds. This compact shrub is a real star of the garden, especially for those looking for a resistant and ornamental plant. Thanks to its vibrant flowers and its ability to withstand heat, Salvia greggii is ideal for Mediterranean gardens and hot zones.
The discovery: A legacy from Texas
Native to the southwestern United States, particularly Texas and New Mexico, Salvia greggii was first described by the American botanist William Jackson Hooker in 1836, as part of his research on the flora of New Mexico. This species quickly won over European gardeners thanks to its robustness and its ability to flower almost all year round in dry conditions. It symbolizes the adaptability and beauty of plants native to the American desert.

A botanical portrait: A compact and floriferous silhouette
Scientific identification
Scientific name: Salvia greggii
Family: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae)
Origin: Texas, New Mexico, and arid regions of the southwestern United States
Morphological description
Size:
Height: 50 to 90 cm
Width: 50 to 80 cm
Shape:
Compact and bushy, with erect and branched stems that form a well-structured silhouette.
Foliage:
Color: Medium to dark green.
Texture: Smooth and slightly rough, sometimes slightly aromatic.
Shape: Small oval or oblong leaves, opposite, with serrated edges.
Bloom:
Season: Summer through fall, sometimes early winter in mild climates.
Flowers: Tubular, red, pink, purple, or white, arranged in compact spikes.
Appearance: Very colorful and persistent, Salvia greggii's blooms attract attention and pollinators.

Adaptations and Ecology
Native to dry, sunny areas, Salvia greggii is well adapted to hot, dry climates.
Native Habitat: Dry mountainous areas, grasslands, and deserts in the United States.
Tolerance: Highly resistant to heat, dry conditions, and even poor soils.
Pollinators: Attracts a multitude of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Gardener's Tip: An easy-to-grow beauty
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade in warmer regions.
Soil: Light, well-drained, dry to moderately dry.
Hardiness: To -10°C, best grown in mild winter areas or protected by mulching.
Watering: Low, tolerates drought well once established.
Maintenance:
Pruning lightly after flowering to encourage new growth.
In cold climates, winter mulching is recommended to protect roots from frost.
Associations:
Perfect for dry beds, it can be associated with grasses, lavenders, or Mediterranean plants for a natural and structured effect.

Wildlife attraction
Salvia greggii is particularly popular with hummingbirds thanks to its nectar-rich tubular flowers. It is also an excellent choice for attracting bees and other pollinators.

Notable varieties and hybrids
Here are some of the most popular varieties and hybrids of Salvia greggii:
‘Autumn Sage’: A classic cultivar that produces bright red flowers and is very heat tolerant.
‘Furman’s Red’: Very floriferous, with large, bright red flowers.
‘Pink Flamingo’: A hybrid much loved for its bright pink flowers, perfect for adding a soft pop of colour.
‘Royal Bumble’: A deep, vibrant red that immediately catches the eye.
‘Heatwave’: A hybrid that combines multiple colours, mainly red and pink.
‘Cherry Queen’: A very floriferous variety with deep cherry red flowers.
‘Blaze of Glory’: A vigorous cultivar with bicolour red and white flowers.
Notable hybrids:
Salvia × jamensis: A cross between Salvia greggii and Salvia microphylla, producing more robust and hardy varieties:
‘Nachtvlinder’: Deep purple.
‘Ember’s Wish’: A beautiful coral orange.
‘La Siesta’: A salmon pink variation.

A garden must-have
With its bright blooms, resistance to dry conditions and attractiveness to wildlife, Salvia greggii is a perfect choice for those looking for a hardy, colourful and easy-care plant. Its diversity of cultivars and hybrids means it can suit all tastes, from wild gardens to more structured clumps.