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Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage)

Scarlet Sage, Scarlet Bedding Sage

Scarlet Sage, Salvia Splendens, Annual Sage, Scarlet Bedding Sage
Scarlet Sage, Salvia Splendens, Annual Sage, Scarlet Bedding Sage

Indefatigable bloomer, Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a tender perennial that is mostly grown for its dense, usually brilliant scarlet flowers (therefore its common name) although new selections include attractive shades of rich purple, pink, blue, lavender, salmon, white and bicolor. Hummingbirds love its brilliant blossoms, but deer do not!

  • Prized by gardeners for its ornamental blossoms, it has an outstanding effect in beds, borders, and containers from late spring to frost! A valuable addition to cottage gardens, cutting gardens and effective for edging too! Best in mass plantings with other annuals.
  • Easy to grow, fairly pest and disease free, it requires little deadheading, attracts butterflies, and blends nicely with any other annuals or perennials for the best effect!
  • Typically grows in clumps up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm) in a wonderful display of very eye-catching, long-tubed, brightly-colored flowers rising in thick, erect spikes above the dark green foliage.
  • Thrives in full sun in light, humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Perennial in zones 10 – 11, it may be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
  • May be grown from seeds, starting indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
  • Native to Brazil.

Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide


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

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Scarlet Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
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, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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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

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Autumn Colors’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium)
Rudbeckia hirta ‘Marmalade’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Cannas (Canna Lilies)
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)

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Salvia (Sage)
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Hummingbird
Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Full Sun
Companion Planting With Herbs
Wonderful Plants That Repel Insects
Great Rose Companion Plants: Nepeta, Salvia and Lavandula
Hardy Perennial Salvias (Sage)
Salvia guaranitica (Blue Anise Sage)
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Salvia: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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 10 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Salvia
Common names Sage, Scarlet Sage
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
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, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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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