Mountain sage (Salvia regla)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mountain sage on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Mountain sage
Salvia regla, commonly known as Aretillo, is a perennial shrub or subshrub native to Mexico and the southern United States, prized for its striking bright scarlet tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. Its foliage is aromatic, and its dense habit makes it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a specimen plant in warm climate gardens.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering, although it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, as it is susceptible to waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Mountain sage
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing or spotted leaves, poor or no flowering, soft stems.
- First aid
- Check watering, ensure good drainage, and place in full sun. Prune damaged stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or lack of sun (weakens and doesn't flower).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act fast. It's quite resilient if conditions are corrected.