The strongly contrasting flowers are so dark purple that they look black. The plant grows to 2 to 3 feet tall and has a spreading, flopping habit. They bloom through the summer and heavily in autumn. They need excellent drainage and full sun. Most cultivars will reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
Autumn sage is hardy through most of the state.
Some cultivars will not be hardy in the upper Piedmont and mountains. Maraschino' has glowing deep red flowers and grows up to 4 feet tall. Plum Wine' has plum-purple flowers on compact plants. Red Velvet' is an excellent hybrid with large bright red flowers and shiny, rounded leaves. Cherry Chief' begins flowering in late spring with bright red flowers and continues through summer and into the fall.