Salvia Greggii ‘White’ (White Autumn Sage)

Salvia greggii ‘White’

Characteristics

Culture

Salvia Greggii ‘White’ (White Autumn Sage) is a popular, usually evergreen sub-shrub growing natively in rocky soils in Central, West and South Texas, and Mexico. Grows in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Best in sandy or rocky soils with sharp drainage. Appreciates some part afternoon shade in hot summer climates. The white flowers are borne on racemes from spring to frost.  Its natural range is from south-central and west Texas south to San Luis Potosi in Mexico, mostly on rocky slopes. 

Trim or pinch tips continuously for nonstop blooming. In early spring, you may wish to prune it a third to halfway back to produce thicker, more compact foliage and a shorter flowering plant. Pruning may delay flowering for several weeks, but it is important if you want to prevent leggy plants. On the other hand, if you want to encourage the plant to assume its maximum natural shape, however tall, only pick-prune.

Noteworthy Characteristics

While this white flowering cultivar is a little less showy than some other color forms of Salvia greggii, it is one of the most durable of these plants.  Autumn sage is delightful to use as a small, ornamental, flowering shrub in a perennial bed or as a low hedge.  Specific epithet honors Josiah Gregg (1806-1850), botanist and explorer, who first collected this plant on a trip through Texas to Mexico in the mid-1840s.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for whiteflies and aphids.

Garden Uses

Salvia Greggii ‘White’ (White Autumn Sage) must have a well-drained site and cannot take shrink-swell clay soils. In clay soils, work in organic matter and amendments to improve drainage and, if possible, plant on a slope. Once established, should not be fertilized.  Borders, foundations.