The Navajo sage plant (Salvia greggii), also known as autumn sage, produces delicate foliage and red, coral, white, salmon or pink tubular flowers. Autumn sage makes a lovely edging plant, but is even more beautiful when clumped together in large beds on a sunny landscape. This charming perennial thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b through 11 where it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Sunlight and SoilAutumn sage prefers sunny locations, but can grow in partial shade, especially in regions with a warmer climates. Too much shade produces leggy plants with poor flower production. The plants thrive in moist, well-drained soil, but also tolerates rocky soils, sands and loams. The plant is easy to grow when planted in the proper soil and sunlight conditions. Water and FertilizerAutumn sage grows well in drought conditions and does not tolerate soggy soil. Once the plant is established, it can survive on existing rainfall in most areas. Only water the plants during times of extremely dry weather. Feed with a balanced fertilizer only if necessary, as the some species grow poorly in an over-fertilized soil. The plant is fairly disease and pest free. Propagation and PruningPropagation from cuttings is recommended for autumn sage plants to maintain the plant characteristics;however, propagate by seed if you want a variety of colors. Take cuttings during the plant's growing season. Prune the autumn sage in early spring to shape the plant, removing old, woody stems to encourage new blooms. Plants generally need replaced every four to five years. Common cultivars of autumn sage include Dark Dancer, Furman's Red, Alba, Cotton Candy, Desert Blaze, Wild Thing and Big Pink. Colors of cultivars range from pure white and hot pink to deep reds and various shades of pink and rose with stems that vary from linear to rounded in shape. All varieties bloom summer through fall. Pinch off dead flowers to encourage new blooms. - University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Salvia Greggii- Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel