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Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ (Scarlet Sage)

Scarlet Sage 'Forest Fire', Texas sage 'Forest Fire', Tropical sage 'Forest Fire', Blood sage 'Forest Fire', Hummingbird sage 'Forest Fire', Hummingbird Series

Salvia coccinea 'Forest Fire', Scarlet Sage 'Forest Fire', Texas sage 'Forest Fire', Tropical sage 'Forest Fire', Blood sage 'Forest Fire', Hummingbird sage 'Forest Fire', Hummingbird Series

Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ (Scarlet Sage) is a compact, upright perennial boasting loose spikes of two-lipped, tubular, brilliant red flowers adorned with dark calyxes. Blooming from midsummer to fall, the blossoms are attractive to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The flowers of this showy southern native are borne well above the bushy foliage of heart-shaped dark green leaves. Fast-growing, this sage tolerates drought, humidity, and heat. Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ belongs to the Hummingbird series, which is noted for its extremely long blooming season and well-branched, compact plants. Use Scarlet Sage to add bright color and attractive foliage to borders or containers. Excellent cut flowers!

  • Tender, this plant is hardy to zones 8-10 and is generally treated as an annual in cooler areas.
  • Grows up to 14-24 in. tall and wide (35-60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Well-suited to beds and borders, containers, city gardens, cottage gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed in spring.
  • Salvia coccinea is native from South Carolina to Florida west to Texas and Mexico.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Here are some tips on how to plant and grow salvia successfully

Requirements

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 Sage, Red Sage, Scarlet Sage, Indian Fire
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Salvia nemorosa ‘Perfect Profusion’ (Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Pink (Sage)
Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewel Lavender’ (Scarlet Sage)
Salvia Skyscraper Orange (Sage)
Salvia ‘Little Kiss’ (Sage)
Salvia involucrata ‘Bethellii’ (Rosy-Leaf Sage)

Recommended Companion Plants

Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Daisy)
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ (Yarrow)
Allium cristophii (Star of Persia)
Gaillardia pulchella (Firewheel)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

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 Sage, Red Sage, Scarlet Sage, Indian Fire
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Salvia (Sage)
Guides with
Salvia (Sage)
Not sure which Salvia (Sage) to pick?
Compare Now

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