Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage, Blood Sage, Red Sage, Indian Fire
Salvia coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Sage or Tropical Sage, is a vibrant, herbaceous perennial or annual plant native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Renowned for its brilliant red flowers and ability to thrive in warm, sunny climates, Scarlet Sage is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators. Its long blooming season and low-maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for naturalized plantings, pollinator gardens, and cottage landscapes.
Salvia belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other aromatic plants like rosemary, basil, and lavender. Scarlet Sage shares the genus’ characteristic tubular flowers and aromatic foliage, offering both ornamental and ecological value. What is Salvia? Understanding its role in gardening and beyond
Scarlet Sage can also refer to other Salvia species with red blooms, such as Salvia elegans (Pineapple Sage) or Salvia splendens, cultivated for their rich floral displays.
Scarlet Sage is an upright, clump-forming perennial in warmer regions and grown as an annual in cooler climates. It features square stems and ovate, softly hairy leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The show-stopping feature is its brilliant, tubular red flowers that bloom continuously from early summer to the first frost. Each flower is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and is borne in spaced whorls along tall spikes, creating a dramatic vertical element in the garden.
This plant’s airy habit and delicate flowers sway gracefully in the breeze, adding dynamic movement and color to any landscape. It blends seamlessly into informal gardens and serves as a reliable nectar source for pollinators.
Use Scarlet Sage to add bright color and attractive foliage to beds and borders.
Scarlet Sage is native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern South America (Colombia, Peru, and Brazil). It thrives in open woodlands, fields, and disturbed areas, benefiting from ample sunlight and well-drained soils. Its adaptability to various conditions, including heat and humidity, has made it a popular addition to gardens worldwide.
Scarlet Sage is a herbaceous perennial in warm climates and an annual in cooler regions. It has an upright, branching growth habit that allows it to fill garden spaces effectively without becoming invasive. Its open structure makes it a perfect companion for grasses and other flowering perennials.
Salvia coccinea typically grows 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall and 12-30 inches (30–75 cm) wide. Its slender, upright form makes it ideal for adding vertical interest to borders, mixed plantings, and containers. Will freely self-seed in warm winter climates.
The flowers of Scarlet Sage are its most eye-catching feature. Vibrant red, tubular blooms are arranged in loose whorls along tall, upright spikes. While red is the most common color, cultivars also feature shades of pink, white, and coral.
Scarlet Sage blooms continuously from early summer to fall, often persisting until the first frost. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more prolific blooming and maintain the plant’s tidy appearance.
The flowers are followed by small seeds hidden in the calyces. Goldfinches and other birds may visit the plant to pick out the seeds.
The leaves of Salvia coccinea are mid-green, ovate, and softly hairy. They grow oppositely along the stems and have a slightly scalloped margin. The foliage emits a mild, herbal scent when crushed, adding an extra sensory element to the garden.
Scarlet Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. In colder zones, it is grown as an annual. Its ability to tolerate heat and humidity makes it a resilient choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.
Scarlet Sage is a favorite among pollinators, particularly bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for these visitors, ensuring a steady stream of wildlife activity in your garden. The plant’s open, branching habit also provides shelter for small insects and other beneficial creatures.
Scarlet Sage’s aromatic foliage deters deer, making it a practical choice for gardens where wildlife browsing is a concern.
Once established, Salvia coccinea is drought-tolerant, thriving in dry, sandy, or rocky soils. Its deep root system allows it to access moisture stored deep in the soil, reducing the need for supplemental watering. Discover 20 Top Salvia Varieties for a Thriving Xeriscape.
Scarlet Sage is considered non-toxic to humans and animals, making it safe for gardens frequented by children and pets.
Salvia coccinea is not considered invasive. While it can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, its seedlings are easy to manage and rarely become a nuisance.
Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
Plant Salvia coccinea in moderately fertile, light, well-draining soil, preferably sandy. It tolerates clay soil as long as there is good drainage.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, Scarlet Sage is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering – Although it will flower more abundantly with watering during dry spells. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering.
Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and keeps the plant tidy. Cut back after flowering. Cut back the stems by one-third in mid-season to promote bushier growth and extend the flowering period.
Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Salvia |
Common names | Red Sage, Sage, Scarlet Sage |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 30" (50cm - 80cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
Hardiness |
8 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Salvia |
Common names | Red Sage, Sage, Scarlet Sage |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 30" (50cm - 80cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
How many Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Salvia coccinea (Scarlet Sage) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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