JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Salvia greggii 'Lipstick'
Plant Common Name
Autumn Sage
General Description
This is one of the easiest autumn sages to identify. The pretty blooms of ‘Lipstick’ are rich red with white throats. It has an upright bushy habit and is free-flowering, especially in the heat of summer. This popular evergreen ornamental originates from the dry washes and rocky hillsides of Texas and Mexico, so it’s tough and thrives in arid climates.
Soft, green, lightly fragrant leaves cover this plant throughout the season. The foliage is evergreen where winters are mild and semi-evergreen at its northernmost hardiness zone. Vibrant red and white flowers brighten its stems throughout the growing season. Flowering will even continue well into winter where frost is absent. The tubular blooms have prominent flared lower lips and are borne in small, loose clusters. They are prolific and highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Drought tolerant and tough, autumn sage is easy to grow if provided with full sun and well-drained, average soil. This is a subshrub in very mild climates, which means that it develops woody basal stems and reaches a larger size over time. It requires minimal maintenance but looks better if occasionally shaped and cut back. This will encourage heavier blooming too. In harsh winters plants may freeze to the ground and resprout from the base like an herbaceous perennial.
This is the all purpose drought tolerant plant for adding late summer color to dull beds and borders. Its bright flowers are super pollinator attractants and add color to containers and sunny mixed beds. In northern zones autumn sage may be grown as a tender perennial. Beware of its naturally brittle branches which are easily damaged in high traffic locations.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
28"-36" / 71.1cm - 91.4cm
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Width
28"-36" / 71.1cm - 91.4cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Texas, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
