05/23/2026
🌳 I'M STUMPED - REVEAL! 🌳
Perfect! You identified AUTUMN SAGE (Salvia greggii)! 🎉
These gorgeous native perennials are among our FIRST intentional native plantings at Arboretum San Antonio, welcoming visitors at our entrance—and we couldn't be more excited about what they represent!
ABOUT AUTUMN SAGE:
🌺 Nearly Year-Round Blooms - True to its common name, Autumn Sage blooms most prolifically in fall, but in San Antonio's mild climate, it can flower nearly year-round!
🎨 Rainbow of Colors - While red is the classic color, Autumn Sage naturally occurs in pink, coral, white, and purple. Different cultivars offer even more color options. Each one attracts pollinators.
🐝 Pollinator Paradise - It's not just hummingbirds! Native bees, butterflies (especially swallowtails), and sphinx moths also visit Autumn Sage for nectar.
🏜️ Drought Champion - Once established, Autumn Sage is incredibly drought-tolerant and thrives in our hot, dry summers. It's perfectly adapted to South Texas and Hill Country conditions.
WHY THIS MATTERS—NATIVE PLANTING AT THE ARBORETUM:
🌱 Beginning Our Native Plant Journey - These Autumn Sage plantings represent an exciting milestone: we're beginning to intentionally add native plants throughout Arboretum San Antonio! You'll see them welcoming visitors at our entrance.
🌳 Beyond Preservation to Restoration - While we're preserving our heritage trees and existing native vegetation, we're also PLANTING natives to increase biodiversity, support pollinators, and demonstrate sustainable landscaping for our community.
🌿 Leading by Example - As an arboretum, we have a responsibility to model sustainable, ecologically sound landscaping. Every native plant we add demonstrates what San Antonians can do in their own yards!
Come see these beautiful Autumn Sage welcoming you at the entrance—and watch as we continue growing native habitat throughout your Arboretum! 🌺💚
