Red Arrow Sage Salvia 'Red Arrow'
ABOUT
Salvia 'Red Arrow' is a vibrant and decorative plant known for its striking flowers and foliage. The plant showcases lush, green leaves that are typically elongated with a textured surface. The leaves may have a slightly scalloped edge, adding to their visual interest. The most distinctive feature of this Salvia is its flowers. The blooms are a deep, rich red shade that resembles the hue of an arrow's fletching, which is likely how the plant got its name 'Red Arrow'. These flowers are tightly packed into tall, slender spires that rise above the foliage, creating a bold and eye-catching display. The floral spires of the 'Red Arrow' are known for their allure to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding to the plant's ecological value in a garden setting. The blooming period for this Salvia typically extends through the warmer months, providing long-lasting color and interest. Overall, Salvia 'Red Arrow' is admired for its striking floral presentation and the lush greenery that serves as a backdrop for its vivid red blooms. It is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance to their landscaping.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Red Arrow Sage, Red Arrow Salvia.
Common names
Salvia 'Red Arrow'.
ToxicityTo humans
Salvia 'Red Arrow', commonly known as Red Arrow Sage, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While eating the plant in small amounts typically does not cause serious harm, it is not advisable to ingest large quantities. If ingested in significant amounts, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Nevertheless, Red Arrow Sage is primarily cultivated for its ornamental value, and it should not be consumed as a food item.
To pets
Red Arrow Sage is also considered non-toxic to pets. This plant, while not intended for consumption, typically does not lead to severe poisoning when pets, such as cats and dogs, nibble on it. If a pet ingests a large portion of the Red Arrow Sage, similar to humans, they might experience mild gastrointestinal distress manifesting as vomiting or diarrhea. In the event that a pet exhibits any unusual symptoms after consuming the plant, it is wise to consult a veterinarian. However, such incidents are not commonly reported with the ingestion of Red Arrow Sage.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators - The Salvia 'Red Arrow', also known as Red Arrow Sage, produces nectar-rich flowers, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Resistance - Once established, this plant is tolerant of dry conditions, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance - Red Arrow Sage typically requires minimal upkeep, with occasional pruning to keep its shape and encourage more blooms.
- Deer Resistant - The aromatic foliage is generally unattractive to deer, reducing the risk of damage in areas where deer are a problem.
- Colorful Display - The plant boasts vibrant red flowers that can add a splash of color to garden beds, borders, or containers.
- Long Blooming Season - It has a lengthy flowering period from late spring to fall, providing prolonged visual interest in the landscape.
- Easy to Propagate - Salvia 'Red Arrow' can be easily propagated from cuttings or seeds, allowing gardeners to expand their collection.
- Versatile Landscaping - This plant can be used in various garden styles, including ornamental borders, Mediterranean gardens, and xeriscapes.
- Herbal Fragrance - The plant emits a pleasing scent that can enhance the sensory appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft projects: The vibrant red flowers of Red Arrow can be dried and used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or as part of potpourri mixes, adding color and a touch of nature to handmade crafts.
- Fabric dyeing: The petals of Red Arrow can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to color textiles.
- Insect repellent: Red Arrow, like many Salvia species, can help deter insects when planted in the garden, due to its strong scent which is pleasant to humans but off-putting to many pests.
- Garden design: As a strikingly colored plant, Salvia 'Red Arrow' can be used as a focal point in garden design, drawing the eye and providing contrast against green foliage.
- Draw wildlife: The tubular flowers of the Red Arrow are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an ideal plant for those looking to support pollinator populations in their gardens.
- Photography: The bright and vivid blooms of the Red Arrow make it an excellent subject for photographers, particularly those interested in close-up and macro photography of flora.
- Seasonal decoration: Red Arrow's red blossoms can complement autumnal decor in outdoor settings, blending well with the colors of the fall season.
- Teaching tool: Red Arrow can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of native flora in supporting ecosystems.
- Theme gardens: As a red-flowering plant, Red Arrow can be included in themed gardens, such as a patriotic red, white, and blue planting scheme or a fire-themed garden with other red and orange plants.
- Culinary decoration: While not typically consumed, the eye-catching flowers can be used for plating decoration in haute cuisine, though one should ensure they are free of pesticides and other chemicals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Salvia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Salvia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvias are often associated with healing due to their variety of medicinal uses. 'Red Arrow', with its vibrant color, symbolizes energy and vitality, which adds to the healing connotations.
- Wisdom: The name Salvia derives from the Latin word 'salvere', meaning 'to save' or 'to heal', which is often interpreted as wisdom and the acquisition of knowledge over time.
- Immortality: The long-lasting nature of Salvia blooms can symbolize immortality or the lasting impact of one's deeds or influence.
- Protection: In folklore, salvias are thought to provide protection due to their aromatic properties, and the fiery hue of 'Red Arrow' can be seen as a ward against negativity.
WaterFor the Red Salvia, it is important to water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. The ideal frequency is about once a week during active growing seasons, spring and summer, providing roughly one inch of water. Use the soak-and-dry method, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. During the hotter periods, you may need to water twice a week, especially if you're in a particularly warm climate. During the winter or dormant period, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot, typically watering once every two to three weeks or even less, depending on your climate.
LightRed Salvia thrives in a location that receives full sun, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant will perform the best when it's placed in an area that's not shaded during the peak sun hours. While it can tolerate some partial shade, too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and reduce flowering.
TemperatureRed Salvia plants prefer temperatures that range between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night but should not be subjected to frost. Ideally, these plants should be protected from extreme cold and hot spikes, keeping within this temperature range for optimal growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Red Salvia to promote bushier growth, remove spent flowers, and maintain an attractive shape. The best time for pruning is early spring before new growth starts, and after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Regular deadheading of the spent flowers can be done throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Arrow Sage thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0; a mix of garden soil, perlite, and peat moss often works well.
RepottingRed Arrow Sage should generally be repotted every 1-2 years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure continued growth and prevent root crowding.
Humidity & MistingRed Arrow Sage prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in home gardens without issue.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Arrow Sage in a bright spot with some direct sun and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Red Arrow' Salvia, commonly known as Scarlet Sage, begins its life cycle as seeds which germinate in warm soil with proper moisture, light, and temperature conditions. After germination, seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic square stems and green leaves. Scarlet Sage reaches vegetative maturity with vigorous stem growth and the onset of flowering stems, displaying its brilliant red, arrow-shaped flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Throughout the flowering season, which can last from late spring to frost, the plant undergoes repeated cycles of bloom and seed set. In temperate regions, it completes its annual cycle by setting seeds before dying with the onset of cold weather, while in warmer climates, it may persist and behave as a tender perennial. At the end of its life cycle, seeds are dispersed to the environment, ensuring the propagation of new plants for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Salvia 'Red Arrow', commonly known as Red Arrow Sage, is by cuttings. This is typically done during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A gardener would take a cutting of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) long, ensuring that there are at least a couple of leaf nodes present. The lower leaves are then removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then planted in a soil mix that drains well, and kept moist but not waterlogged. A plastic bag or a cloche can be placed over the cutting to maintain high humidity, which is beneficial for root growth. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new Salvia 'Red Arrow' plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being transplanted to its final location.
