Scarlet Sage
Salvia coccinea
An herbaceous perennial plant featuring square stems, opposite ovate to triangular green leaves with serrated margins, and upright terminal spikes of bright red tubular flowers.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering
- Water
- Moderate water needs; water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established, but avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial grown frequently as an annual, upright branching growth form, reaching a mature height of 1 to 3 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, and a moderate to fast growth rate
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Water regularly during establishment and dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring for optimal vegetative and floral growth.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering
Watering
Moderate water needs; water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established, but avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions.
Soil
Prefers well-draining loam or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, typically grown as an annual in cooler regions
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial grown frequently as an annual, upright branching growth form, reaching a mature height of 1 to 3 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, and a moderate to fast growth rate
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through the first autumn frosts, producing tubular, bright red flowers arranged in terminal whorled spikes on dark stems
Propagation
Propagated easily from seeds sown indoors before the last frost, or through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer and rooted in moist potting medium
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils. Pests such as aphids and whiteflies can occasionally appear; manage by ensuring good air circulation and using appropriate horticultural controls if necessary
Similar species
Often confused with Tropical Sage (Salvia splendens), but Salvia coccinea generally features looser flower whorls and more slender, triangular leaves, whereas Salvia splendens tends to have more densely packed calyces and brighter, shinier foliage.