Salvia greggii 'Radio Red'

When people come to the nursery looking for perennials that attract hummingbirds, we always show them the salvias. Salvia nemorosa is the toughest, most reliable to return year after year, while the more tender species such as Salvia guaranitica usually die in a hard freeze. Salvia greggii 'Radio Red' falls somewhere in the middle, usually returning each year in zone 7 (zero degrees) but needing well-draining soil. This variety forms a shrub about two to three feet tall and wide, with crimson, two-lipped flowers appearing on short upright stalks, initially in the spring, then sporadically through the summer, with a second flush of blooms in the fall. Big enough to hold its own in a garden border but small enough to live in a container planter, 'Radio Red' autumn sage has larger flowers than 'Hot Lips' and is a veritable hummingbird and pollinator magnet, though deer tend to avoid it.  

Common Name: Autumn Sage

Plant Type: Perennial

Mature Size: 2 - 3 feet tall and wide

Growth Rate: Moderate

Cold Hardiness: 0°

Light:

• Full Sun
• Afternoon Sun
• Morning Sun

Foliage Color: Green

Bloom Color: Red

Bloom Time:

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall

Structure: Rounded

Characteristics:

• Attracts hummingbirds
• Attracts pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Drought tolerant once established
• Fragrant
• Container Lover

Photos: Real images, not stock photos

Please Note: When Ground Shipping is selected, plants will be shipped on the following Monday to help maintain the plant quality.