Autumn Sage: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Maintaining Your Plant

Autumn sage, also known as red autumn sage, Texas sage, or red Chihuahuan sage, is a woody perennial native to North America. Despite its name, it blooms from early summer to mid fall and can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and wide. It is usually planted in the spring from potted nursery starts and thrives best in full sun and dry soil. It can also sustain high humidity and is perfect for xeriscape gardens.

When growing autumn sage, it is important to plant them in groups or as a hedge, with a spacing of 2 feet apart. They should be placed in well-drained soil, but avoid planting them in wet, clay-based soil. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the purchased plant, set it in the hole, and gently pack soil around the root ball before watering thoroughly.

In terms of care requirements, autumn sage should be watered moderately and cut down to just above ground level after blooming in the fall. This will promote more vigorous spring growth, allowing the plant to recover its full size within a few weeks. With these tips, you can successfully grow and care for autumn sage in your garden or xeriscape landscape.

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Autumn sage plants thrive in full sun, but in hot climates, they may require some shade during the day. The plants prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soil and may not tolerate dense clay-based soil. While regular watering is necessary after planting, established plants need only about an inch of water per week. Excess moisture can harm the plants, so consider planting them in a container or xeriscape landscape if your garden soil is too moist. Autumn sage is heat, humidity, and drought tolerant and can grow in zones 6 to 9. The plant is a light feeder and requires no additional feeding if the soil is moderately fertile. Pruning the plant after the first blooms can make it denser and fuller. Propagation through softwood cuttings or root divisions is recommended, while seed propagation is slow. Autumn sage is almost disease-free, but leafhoppers, slugs, snails, whiteflies, and aphids can be a problem. Crown rot can occur in poorly draining dense soil. The plants usually bloom in spring and early summer and again in fall. Deadheading the flowers can prevent volunteer plants, and excessive feeding may result in fewer blooms. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, while brown leaves indicate too much direct sunlight. Wilting leaves and stems may be due to overwatering or watering at the wrong time of the day.