Autumn is a magical time in the garden, when plants burst forth with vibrant colors and bring joy to our hearts. One group of shrubs that truly shines during this season are the autumn sages, Salvia greggii. These unassuming evergreen mounding sages may fly under the radar for most of the year, but when the cool season arrives, they come alive with a dazzling display of blooms, adding a radiant touch to any garden.
In my own garden, the autumn sages are still in full bloom, reminding me of their beauty and urging me to add more to my collection. Native to Texas, these herbaceous perennials have proven themselves to be incredibly adaptable and thrive when mixed with our native plants here in California. Named in 1870 by botanist Asa Gray, in honor of the renowned American explorer and botanist Josiah Gregg, autumn sages come in a multitude of colors, from delicate whites and pinks to vibrant magentas, salmon, and reds. There are even varieties available with stunning blues and purples. Breeders have also developed new varieties that boast improved summer flowering, ensuring that these sages bring color to the garden throughout the year.
One of the many reasons I love autumn sages is their ability to resist deer, which are a common sight in our garden. While many plants fall victim to hungry deer, these sages remain untouched, allowing their blooms to steal the show. Inspired by their beauty, I’ve started planting other autumn blooming plants near them, creating a symphony of colors that I can’t help but appreciate. Pineapple sage, Copper Canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii), and fall-blooming grasses like Miscanthus or our native deer grass make wonderful companions for autumn sages, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the garden.
In fact, I highly recommend including an autumn sage in most planting beds. Not only do they extend colorful blooms, but they also play well with other plants. In one of my recent posts, I shared a combination featuring a native Box elder, a red autumn sage, a Curlicue sage (which is actually an Artemisia), and a dash of Brachyscome multifida. As the trees shed their leaves and the landscape transforms, the autumn sage steals the spotlight, blooming brilliantly and creating a stunning focal point.
Speaking of companions, one often overlooked plant that pairs beautifully with autumn sages is Brachyscome multifida, also known as Cut Leaf Daisy. This cool-season low-grower, with its periwinkle blue flowers, adds a touch of elegance and contrasts beautifully with the bright magenta hues of the autumn sages. Better yet, it’s resistant to deer, ensuring that your garden remains a sanctuary for these delicate blooms.
If you’re looking for another sage that closely resembles the autumn sage and blooms at the same time, consider Germander Sage or Blue Oak Sage (Salvia chamaedryoides). This incredibly hardy sage not only offers a profusion of blooms but also boasts a striking true blue color. It’s a wonderful addition to any garden, adding both beauty and resilience.
Now, you might be wondering about the care requirements for these stunning sages. Luckily, they are quite low-maintenance. In fact, all you really need to do is prune and shape them to encourage bushiness and fullness. They are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering. However, planting them in an area with a bit of afternoon shade can help keep them lush and vibrant during the hot summer months. To achieve a more natural look, use hand clippers to snip each branch at slightly different lengths.
This year, I experimented with planting Penstemon ‘Violet Dusk’ near a red autumn sage, and the results were beyond my expectations. They bloomed together for an extended period, long after other plants had faded away. The combination of their bold colors created bright and vivid spots in my garden, bringing joy and delight to all who beheld them.
In conclusion, Sierra Foothill Garden is truly a sight to behold during the autumn season. With its vibrant autumn sages and their mesmerizing blooms, it’s a colorful oasis that captivates the senses. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, incorporating these beautiful sages into your garden will undoubtedly elevate its beauty and provide endless enjoyment. So, why not bring a touch of radiant color to your own garden? You won’t be disappointed.
