Salvia coccinea

Common Names

Hummingbird Sage, Scarlet Sage, Texas Sage, Tropical Sage, Blood Sage, Red Sage, Scarlet Salvia

Summary

Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is a perennial herb in the mint family native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America, typically growing 2–4 feet tall with an upright, bushy habit and bright red tubular flowers on spikes; leaves are green, hairy, and scalloped, and flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates heat and drought once established, and can be grown as an annual in cooler climates; it is well suited for borders, containers, and rock gardens; space plants 12–18 inches apart, propagate by seed or division with seeds germinating in 2–3 weeks, and deadhead to extend bloom; it self-seeds readily, is deer- and rabbit-resistant, not edible, and powdery mildew can occur without good air circulation.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Annual

Height

24 inches-4 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun; tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy or sandy soil with a pH around 6.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, moist but not waterlogged, preferably loamy or sandy soils with good drainage.

Soil pH

Any pH (acidic to alkaline); tolerates all soil pH levels.

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Spring through Fall, Year-round blooming in warm climates or frost-free areas

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds