Scarlet Sage

The Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) is an excellent plant for beds and borders. The flowers are usually bright scarlet and grow to 36". The flowers do not attract bees or butterflies, the plants rarely reseed themselves and despite being a perennial, are grown as an annual in Florida. The plant, a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) family, is native to Mexico and the Southern United States.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Scarlet Sage

Botanical Name:   Salvia splendens

Family:   Lamiaceae

Plant Type:  Annual flower

Origin: Mexico, Southern United States

Zones: 8 - 11

Height:  36"

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Salt Tolerance: Low

Soil Requirements:  Enriched, moist, well-drained soil

Water Requirements: Moderate

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Form:  Massing, upright, tender plant

Leaves:  Grass green, entire to variously cut or toothed, opposite, 1-3" long

Flowers: Whorls, often closely spaced, on spike-like racemes 6-10" long; usually terminal, scarlet in color

Fruits: None

Pests or diseases:  Damping-off of seedlings, powdery and downy mildews, botrytis blight, aphids, spider mites, whiteflies

Uses:  Massing, borders, containers, accent effect from bright colors, cut flowers

Bad Habits: None

Cost:  $ -- Inexpensive

Propagation:  Seeds or cuttings

Sources: Perennials for American Gardens;Complete Guide to Florida Gardening