perennialN. America Native

Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia coccinea is an upright, herbaceous perennial or tender subshrub native to the Americas, characterized by square stems and hairy, triangular leaves that release a pungent aroma when crushed. The species produces bright scarlet flowers arranged in loose whorls along terminal spikes up to ten inches long, blooming continuously from late spring through fall.

This species is distinguished by its high tolerance for heat, humidity, and coastal salt spray, making it highly adaptable across the southern United States. Unlike many ornamental salvias, it establishes readily from self-sown seed and acts as a primary nectar source for migrating hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces vibrant, long-lasting scarlet flower spikes that provide vertical structure in borders and containers.

Offers high resistance to deer and rabbit browsing due to the pungent, aromatic oils in its foliage.

Serves as a critical nectar source for migrating hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies, while goldfinches feed on autumn seeds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial or annual

Native To

The Americas

Toxicity

Non-toxic but non-edible

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sharp, well-drained sandy loam or medium loam soil.
Space plants 24 to 30 inches apart to ensure adequate airflow, which prevents powdery mildew and botrytis blight.
Water regularly after planting to establish the root system, then reduce watering to rely on the plant's natural drought tolerance.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture without letting the mulch touch the stems.
Trim spent flower spikes back to the foliage throughout the growing season to stimulate continuous bud development.

Pro Tip

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate weak, leggy stem growth and increase susceptibility to aphid infestations at the expense of flower production.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage a continuous succession of blooms.
Provide sharp soil drainage to prevent root rot and stem collapse during periods of heavy rain.
Allow the plant to self-seed in warm climates if naturalized drifts are desired.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this produces weak, leggy stems and invites sap-sucking pests.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems that lack active buds.
Do not consume the flowers or foliage, as they are non-edible despite belonging to the mint family.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensPollinator GardensCoastal BordersWildflower MeadowsContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Monarda fistulosa Rudbeckia fulgida Asclepias tuberosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Sage questions

What zones can Scarlet Sage grow in?

Scarlet Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarlet Sage deer resistant?

Yes — Scarlet Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Scarlet Sage bloom?

Scarlet Sage typically blooms in late spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarlet Sage need full sun?

Scarlet Sage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Scarlet Sage drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Scarlet Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.