2 named cultivars

perennial

Scarlet Sage

Salvia splendens

The Story

Plant Bio

Salvia splendens, scarlet sage, is an upright clumping tender perennial from Brazil, grown as a summer annual almost everywhere. Square stems one to three feet high carry ovate scalloped leaves, and dense spikes of tubular flowers open from late spring until frost — usually vivid scarlet, with the coloured sepals persisting after the petals drop.

The bright red bedding strains are bred short and dense for uniformity, but the taller open-flowered forms are far better for wildlife, since hummingbirds and butterflies can actually reach the nectar. It flowers hardest in fertile soil with steady moisture, unlike most salvias, which want lean dry ground.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense spikes of vivid tubular flowers from late spring until frost, in scarlet and other strong colours.

Fast, cheap and reliable summer colour, and easily carried over from cuttings.

Hummingbirds and butterflies feed at the tubular flowers, particularly on the taller open-flowered forms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

27 inches

Width

9 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Brazil

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Plant out after the last frost in full sun or light shade.
Give it moist, reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.
Water regularly; it dislikes prolonged drought.
Pinch young plants once to encourage branching.
Deadhead spent spikes to keep new ones coming.
Take cuttings in late summer to overwinter it.

Pro Tip

Unlike most salvias this one wants moisture and reasonable fertility — treat it lean and dry and it stalls rather than flowering harder.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil evenly moist 💧
Pinch young plants to branch them ✂️
Deadhead spent spikes 🌸
Choose taller forms for hummingbirds 🐦

Don't

Let it dry out for long spells ❌
Plant it out before nights are warm ❌
Expect the dwarf strains to feed wildlife well ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Plant Out

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Massed summer beddingContainers and patio potsHummingbird and butterfly planting

Companion Plants

Angelonia Pentas Lantana ZinniaSweet Potato Vine

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 9–10. 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 to frost through late summer. 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.