Huntington Red Mexican Sage

Huntington Red Mexican Sage (Salvia microphylla 'Huntington Red') is a small-leaved, shrubby perennial that grows to about 1m high and 1m wide. Aromatic foliage, pleasantly herbal when crushed, carries small red flowers with prominent lower petals in spring and again in autumn. It comes from Mexico, which makes it an easygoing choice for gardens with hot and cold extremes.

Why you'll love it

• Two flushes of flower. Small red blooms open in spring and again in autumn, and occasionally at other times where the climate is mild.
• Aromatic foliage. The small leaves smell pleasantly herbal when crushed, which adds scent to a path or border.
• Good for bees and wildlife. The red flowers draw bees and other pollinators into the garden.
• Size to suit the site. In poor soil with little rain it stays compact, while rich soil and regular watering produce a larger plant, so you can steer its size.
• Easy cottage style. A shrubby perennial that suits mixed beds and borders, wildlife gardens, pots and tubs.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and borders. Plant 80cm apart in a mixed border, where the red flowers pick up pinks, purples and silver foliage. In rich soil allow the full 1m.

Wildlife gardens. Two flushes of nectar rich flowers a year make it a dependable food plant for bees.

Pots and tubs. A large pot keeps the plant compact and puts the aromatic leaves within reach of the path.

Growing Huntington Red Mexican Sage in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade; a sheltered position helps keep the plant looking good. It tolerates light overnight frost once established, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In colder districts, protect it from hard frost and mulch in winter to keep the soil warm.

Soil. Plant in good, fertile soil for the best growth. In poor soil it stays more compact.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and water regularly in dry periods. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring, with an extra boost of seaweed solution in the summer heat.

Pruning. Clip over after flowering to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. Cut it hard back in summer, almost to the ground, when it rests from blooming.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Huntington Red Mexican Sage as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical way to plant a border, and a young salvia settles fast in warm weather. Expect a small, aromatic plant without a full flush of flower, and allow a season for it to build up its shrubby shape.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the salvia range
• Fragrant plants for paths and borders
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden

Common questions

Why cut it back so hard in summer?

The plant rests from blooming in summer, and a hard cut, almost to the ground, lets it shoot fresh growth for the autumn flowering. Clip over lightly after each flush as well.

How big will it get?

Up to 1m high and 1m wide. In poor soil with little rain it stays compact, while rich soil and regular irrigation produce a larger plant.

Will it survive frost?

It tolerates light overnight frost once established. In colder districts, protect it from hard frost and mulch in winter.