Scarlet Sage

Overview. Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is a tender perennial from Brazil that is often grown as an annual. Its tubular flowers are most commonly red to scarlet, and cultivars also come in pink, purple, lavender and white. It blooms from summer to frost. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, but many cultivars bred for bedding have little nectar.

Sowing. Sow the seeds on the surface and don’t cover them with soil, because they need light to germinate. Sow in spring at about 59 to 64 °F (15 to 18 °C). Some gardeners grow it from stem cuttings instead of seed.

Site. Plant it in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil, with soil that stays moist but drains well.

Size and spacing. Mature plants usually reach 10 to 24 inches (25 to 61 cm) tall and spread about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) wide.

Containers. It can be grown in containers, and compact selections suit edging and pots.

Watering and feeding. Water in dry weather. Fertilize well, since the plants are heavy feeders.

Shaping and blooms. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. Deadhead to encourage blooms through the season, and cut back faded flower spikes after flowering.

Pests and diseases. In the landscape, the plant is relatively pest-free. It may be susceptible to slugs, powdery mildews, Verticillium wilt and foot and root rots.

Cut flowers. The flowers can add color indoors when the plant is grown in a cutting garden.