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How to Grow Langley Sage

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Langley Sage

Salvia × langleyensis

shrub

Langley Sage is a compact, semi-evergreen shrub resulting from a cross between Salvia greggii and Salvia microphylla. It produces abundant tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, or coral throughout the growing season, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. This hybrid combines the hardiness and extended bloom period of both parent species.

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Example Langley Sage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Langley Sage

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Langley Sage

    Around Jul 16

    ≈ 90 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Langley Sage dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
💧
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during first growing season. In summer, water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 90-120 days for full shrub form
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds surface-sown or lightly covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
perlite for drainage coarse sand compost for organic matter

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-9; hardy to zone 7b with winter protection

7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young transplants establish root system and begin branching. Plant grows slowly at first.

Water consistently; avoid overwatering. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates first season. Mulch lightly around base.

2

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks

Plant branches and fills out, developing woody stems and small gray-green foliage.

Pinch back stem tips in spring to encourage bushier growth. Prune lightly if needed to shape. Maintain regular watering during dry spells.

3

Flowering

8-10 weeks (spring through fall in mild climates)

Small tubular flowers appear in terminal spikes in shades of red, pink, or coral. Blooms open progressively along the spike.

Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming. Provide occasional deep watering during peak bloom. Feed with low-nitrogen flowering fertilizer.

4

Extended Bloom

4-6 months or longer

In favorable climates, plant continues blooming nearly year-round with reduced intensity in winter.

Continue deadheading. Reduce fertilizer in late summer to harden plant for winter. Minimal winter watering.

5

Dormancy/Winter Rest

2-4 months

In cold zones, plant becomes semi-dormant; foliage may thin or drop partially. Stems remain woody.

In zone 7b, provide winter mulch and shelter from harsh winds. Cut back any frost-damaged stems in spring. Reduce watering significantly.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Desert marigold Germander Russian sage Lamb's ear Catmint Blanket flower Sedums Lavender

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring heavy watering Tender tropicals competing for sun Plants preferring acidic soil

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or miticides if severe. Improve air circulation.

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.

  • Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if populations increase.

  • Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater. Remove and destroy severely affected plants.

Uses

🌿

Hummingbird and Pollinator Magnet

Ornamental

Langley Sage's abundant tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and wildlife landscapes. [source]

🦋

Extended Nectar Source

Wildlife

Provides continuous nectar from spring through fall, or year-round in mild climates, supporting migrating hummingbirds and beneficial insects. [source]

🏠

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Household

Ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens in warm climates, reducing irrigation demands while providing color and texture. [source]

🎨

Cut Flowers

Craft

Delicate flower spikes make attractive additions to fresh floral arrangements, with good vase life and graceful form. [source]

Harvest Tips

This ornamental shrub is not harvested for food. Cut flowers for arrangements as desired. Prune lightly after bloom periods to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Cut back by up to one-third in early spring.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Langley Sage is a hybrid cultivar that combines traits of two species—Salvia greggii (autumn sage) and Salvia microphylla (baby sage)—creating superior hardiness and bloom performance.
  • 🌱 Hummingbirds can visit this plant dozens of times per day, and the extended bloom period provides a critical long-term food source for both resident and migrating hummingbirds.
  • 🌱 Unlike many salvias, Langley Sage tolerates poor soil and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, often thriving in conditions where most ornamentals struggle.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Deadhead Full Sun Hybrid Mulch pH Pinch Back Transplant
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