Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red' (Nymph Series)
ABOUT
Lady in Red salvia is a striking plant known for its vibrant red flowers that stand out with their tubular shape. They bloom in profusion on spikes that rise above the foliage. The leaves of Lady in Red are typically green, with a textured surface, often giving off a pleasant scent when brushed or crushed. The entire plant presents an eye-catching display with its contrasting red flowers against the green leaves, which can be oblong or somewhat ovate, sometimes showing a toothed margin. This profuse bloomer adds a splash of color to gardens, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. Lady in Red creates a lush and vivid visual with its flowers that are a favorite among gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage, Texas Sage, Blood Sage, Red Sage.
Common names
Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red' (Nymph Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Scarlet Sage is not commonly regarded as a toxic plant to humans. In general use, ornamental plants like Scarlet Sage are not intended for consumption, and caution should always be taken as individual allergic reactions or sensitivities can occur. However, there are no well-documented cases of toxicity or poisoning from ingesting Scarlet Sage for the general population. If ingestion does occur, watch for any signs of an adverse reaction and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms manifest.
To pets
Scarlet Sage is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There are no significant reports of pet poisonings or severe reactions from ingestion of this plant. As with any non-food plant, consuming large amounts might lead to gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or vomiting, but serious toxicity is not typically associated with Scarlet Sage. Always monitor pets if they have ingested any part of the plant and consult with a veterinarian if any concerning symptoms develop.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Central America Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The bright red flowers of the Lady in Red salvia are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: It's a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this salvia variety has a good tolerance for drought, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Continuous Blooming: Lady in Red salvia blooms continuously from late spring until frost, providing long-lasting color in the landscape.
- Enhances Landscape Aesthetics: With its vivid red blossoms, it adds a splash of color to borders, beds, and containers, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the garden.
- Deer Resistant: It's not a preferred plant for deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden from grazing.
- Easy Propagation: Lady in Red can be easily propagated by seed or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings economically.
- Versatility in Use: Suitable for borders, beds, containers, and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory effects: Some Salvia species have been shown to contain compounds that can help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant activity: The plant may possess antioxidants that help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Antimicrobial properties: Certain compounds in the Salvia genus are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hummingbird Attractant: Scarlet sage is known for attracting hummingbirds, which can help with pollination of gardens and serve as natural pest control.
- Butterfly Garden Plant: This variety of scarlet sage is used to create butterfly gardens, providing nectar for various butterfly species.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of the scarlet sage can be used as a colorful addition to salads or as an edible garnish on plates.
- Natural Dye: The vibrant flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, or paper.
- Cut Flower Arrangments: The long-lasting blooms of scarlet sage make it suitable for fresh floral arrangements.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs use scarlet sage to teach students about plant life cycles and pollination.
- Photography Subject: The intense red flowers of this plant make it an attractive subject for photographers and artists.
- Landscape Accent: Scarlet sage can be used as a striking accent plant in landscaping due to its bright red flowers.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners plant scarlet sage alongside other plants to create aesthetically pleasing and beneficial combinations in the garden.
- Creative Art Projects: The unique form and color of scarlet sage flowers make them suitable for inclusion in various art and craft projects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Scarlet Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Scarlet Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Salvia species, commonly known as sage, have been associated with healing due to their historical use in medicine and herbal remedies.
- Wisdom: The name "sage" is synonymous with wisdom, reflecting the plant's esteemed position in ancient cultures as a symbol of knowledge and good judgment.
- Immortality: In some traditions, sage is believed to promote longevity and is associated with immortality, perhaps due to its hardy nature and evergreen presence in some climates.
- Purity: Sage has been used in spiritual and cleansing rituals, including smudging, to purify spaces, objects, and individuals from negative energy.
- Protection: Carrying sage or burning it as incense has been a common practice to ward off evil and protect against harm.
WaterScarlet Sage should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells, with deeper, less frequent waterings to encourage strong root growth. During active growth in spring and summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week, with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
LightScarlet Sage thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for the plant is one where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A position with morning sun and afternoon shade can also be suitable to protect it from the intense heat of the day in very hot regions.
TemperatureScarlet Sage prefers temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. The plant is not cold-hardy and may not survive temperatures below freezing. Ideal conditions include warm days and cooler nights.
PruningPruning Scarlet Sage encourages bushier growth and a tidier appearance while promoting more blooms. Prune in early spring by cutting back old growth, and deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to encourage new blooms. The best time to do heavy pruning is after the last frost when new growth begins to appear.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTexas Sage 'Lady in Red' thrives in a well-draining, fertile soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of equal parts potting soil, compost, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. Ensuring good drainage is vital to prevent root rot and to promote healthy growth.
RepottingTexas Sage 'Lady in Red' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. The best time for repotting is in the spring or early summer before the flowering season.
Humidity & MistingTexas Sage 'Lady in Red' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 40-50%, similar to its native habitat. However, it is fairly adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels if necessary, as long as soil moisture is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red', commonly known as scarlet sage, begins with germination from seed, which typically occurs in warm, moist soil conditions after the final frost of the season. Once the seedlings emerge and true leaves develop, the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, rapidly expanding in size and forming the characteristic leafy stems. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, producing striking red tubular flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies throughout summer and into fall. Following pollination, scarlet sage sets seed encapsulated in small, dark nutlets that can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow in the garden. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, especially in regions with cooler climates, but in warm areas or with protection, it can continue to grow as a perennial. Finally, if conditions become too harsh and the plant cannot survive, it completes its life cycle, leaving seeds as its legacy to germinate in the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: 'Lady in Red', also known as Scarlet Sage, is a variety that can be propagated most effectively through seed. The ideal time to sow Scarlet Sage seeds is in late winter or early spring, indoors, about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covered with soil, and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle and there is no more danger of frost, they can be transplanted outdoors into a sunny spot with well-draining soil. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true-to-type plants.
