Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Gregg Salvia

Type: Semi-evergreen subshrub

Size: 2 feet high, 2–3 feet wide

Bloom: August–November, again March–May, sporadic summer

Water use: Moderate

This is a tough and well-behaved little shrub, whose charming hot pink to cherry-red flowers blanket the plant in autumn and again in spring. The one-inch tubular flowers appear in loose spikes and are quite showy, flowering in successive waves from spring to fall.

This is a very forgiving plant with ample irrigation, requiring only fast-draining soil and an eastern exposure or filtered afternoon shade. A deep soaking twice a month during the summer will keep it looking its best, but avoid overwatering.

Autumn sage works beautifully in courtyards, patios, and perennial beds, or massed as a low hedge or ground cover, and it also makes a delightful container plant.