Mountain Sage
(Salvia regla)
Mountain Sage (Salvia regla)
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samlutfy
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samlutfy
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: samlutfy | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: samlutfy | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-24T14:35:38Z |












Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salvia regla, commonly known as Mountain Sage, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to the mountainous regions of Texas and Mexico, where it thrives on north-facing slopes, cliffs, and in canyons with silt, clay, and gravel soils. It typically reaches up to 6 feet in height and 4–5 feet in width. Mountain Sage is characterized by its upright stems, which contribute to its stately appearance, and its striking flowers. The flowers have a 1-inch long tube and are complemented by a signal-red calyx that is 1 inch in size, turning towards the light with a chartreuse underside. The flowering season extends from late summer to fall, and the flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds.
Mountain Sage is valued for its vibrant red flowers, which provide a striking display and are a significant nectar source for migrating hummingbirds in September and October. It is well-suited for use in xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as an ornamental in borders or naturalized areas. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. While it can tolerate full sun, it also does well in part shade, especially in hotter climates. Introduced into horticulture in 1839, it became more common in the 1980s and is now widely planted along the Texas flyway. Care should be taken in areas with heavy clay soils or poor drainage, as these conditions can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Sage is valued for its vibrant red flowers, which provide a striking display and are a significant nectar source for migrating hummingbirds in September and October. It is well-suited for use in xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as an ornamental in borders or naturalized areas. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. While it can tolerate full sun, it also does well in part shade, especially in hotter climates. Introduced into horticulture in 1839, it became more common in the 1980s and is now widely planted along the Texas flyway. Care should be taken in areas with heavy clay soils or poor drainage, as these conditions can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 5-6 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
native to the mountainous regions of Texas and Mexico, where it thrives on north-facing slopes, cliffs, and in canyons with silt, clay, and gravel soils
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Salvia regla, Salvia deltoidea, Salvia crenata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Salvia regla Cav.