Herbs
Salvia greggii 'Cherry Chief'
Cherry Chief autumn sage
Also known as: Cherry Chief mountain sage
Bright red, tubular flowers stand above a woody mound of small leaves, bringing color from spring into fall. Cherry Chief is an ornamental autumn sage for sunny borders and containers, especially where hummingbirds visit. Protect it from cold and poorly drained winter soil. Remove spent flowering stems during growth; leave major cleanup until spring in cold-winter gardens.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Mature size
- About 3 ft. (grower reference) tall
- Water
- Moderate; well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 7–9 (cultivar grower rating)
- Bloom
- Red; spring–fall
Sizes & prices
- 4.5"$6.99
- 6"$9.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Generally resistant; not browse-proof.
- Drought
- Tolerates dry spells once established.
- Wet soil
- Needs good drainage; avoid waterlogged roots.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Culinary uses
- Edible parts
- NC State lists the species’ leaves and flowers as edible.
- Uses
- Leaves, fresh or dried, for seasoning or tea. Use only correctly identified plants grown without unsuitable pesticide treatments.
Seasonal interest
- Form
- Woody-based autumn sage.
Growing & care
- Winter
- The cultivar grower rates zones 7–9. In colder sites, grow seasonally or overwinter a pot in a protected, frost-free place.
- Size & habit
- Foliage reaches about 3 ft.; flower stems grow taller. Allow room for a spreading clump.
- Harvest
- Pick leaves during active growth; use fresh or dry them for later seasoning.
Remove finished flower stems during active growth. Delay major cleanup until spring where winter cold is a concern.
Sources & photo credits
Photo: David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0
Image notes: Representative Salvia greggii flower photo: pictured cultivar is Furman's Red, not Cherry Chief. Resized, not cropped; not current Reminiscent stock.
Size & selection: Grower specifications give about 3 ft. foliage height, with flowering stems taller. Published width estimates differ; allow room rather than treating its sale pot as mature size.
Reviewed 2026-09-29. Growing conditions vary by location.