Scarlet sage Salvia splendens
ABOUT
Salvia splendens, commonly known as scarlet sage, is a brightly colored flowering plant well-loved for its showy appearance. The plant possesses vibrant green foliage that is lance-shaped and somewhat velvety to the touch. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the square stems, contributing to the plant's bushy look. The most striking feature of scarlet sage is its brilliant red flowers, which bloom in dense, erect spires. Each flower spike is loaded with numerous small, tube-shaped blossoms that are favored by hummingbirds and butterflies. The red coloration is incredibly eye-catching and can vary somewhat in hue from a true fire-engine red to deeper maroons or lighter corals, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. The formation of the flower spikes is such that the individual blooms open progressively from the bottom to the top, providing a long-lasting display of color. Flowers are typically seen throughout the warmer months, starting from late spring to the first frosts in autumn in many regions. The plant's overall aesthetic is one of vibrant and lush coloration, making it an excellent choice for garden borders, mass plantings, and containers. This ornamental appeal has made scarlet sage a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of drama and hot color into their landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage, Red Salvia, Red Sage
Common names
Salvia splendens var. splendens.
ToxicityTo humans
Scarlet sage, commonly known as Salvia splendens, is not known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting it is unlikely to cause symptoms of poisoning. However, any plant material can potentially cause a reaction in sensitive individuals, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, due to the plant's novel compounds or as a result of a personal allergy.
To pets
Scarlet sage is also not considered toxic to pets such as dogs or cats. They too can ingest this plant without experiencing symptoms of poisoning. However, as with humans, some pets may have an individual sensitivity that could lead to mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Salvia splendens, commonly known as scarlet sage, adds vibrant color to gardens with its bright red flowers.
- Attracts Wildlife: The plant is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Scarlet sage is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It has a good tolerance for drought conditions, conserving water.
- Heat Resistance: Scarlet sage can thrive in hot temperatures, making it suitable for warm climates.
- Seasonal Color: Offers long-lasting color throughout the spring to fall seasons.
- Edging and Borders: The plant's upright growth habit makes it ideal for creating defined edges or borders in garden designs.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for container gardening, allowing for versatility in placement and arrangement.
Medical Properties- Salvia splendens, commonly known as scarlet sage, has not been widely recognized for any significant medical properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Scarlet sage can provide a natural red pigment for dying fabrics, though it is not commonly used for this purpose.
- In crafting: The bright flowers of scarlet sage can be used to create decorative pressed flower art or to add a vivid touch to handmade paper.
- In educational gardens: Scarlet sage can be included in butterfly gardens or pollinator teaching gardens to help educate others about the importance of pollinators.
- As a potpourri ingredient: Dried scarlet sage flowers can contribute color and a mild fragrance to potpourri mixes.
- As a companion plant: Scarlet sage can be planted alongside vegetables in a garden to attract beneficial insects which prey on common pests.
- In floral arrangements: Fresh or dried, scarlet sage flowers can be a striking addition to floral displays and bouquets.
- For culinary presentation: Although not commonly consumed, the non-toxic flowers of scarlet sage can be used as a colorful garnish for plates and desserts.
- In photography: The vibrant red flowers serve as an excellent subject for macro photography and garden landscapes.
- As an experimental plant: In botanical studies, scarlet sage can be used to examine flower coloration and pollinator attraction mechanisms.
- In art supplies creation: The petals of scarlet sage can be utilized in the creation of natural pigments for watercolor paints or inks.
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- Wisdom: The genus name "Salvia" comes from the Latin word "salvere," which means "to save" or "to heal," suggesting the plant's connection with wisdom and its historic use in healing.
- Longevity: Scarlet sage is known for its long-lasting blooms, which symbolize endurance and the ability to thrive over time.
- Energy and Vitality: The vibrant red color of Scarlet sage flowers is often associated with energy, passion, and a lively spirit.
- Protection: In traditional herbal medicine, Salvia species have been used for protective purposes, which extend to its symbolism.
WaterScarlet sage, commonly known as Salvia splendens, should be watered deeply and allowed to slightly dry out between waterings. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 gallon per plant should suffice. However, during hot or dry weather, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Ensure that the water penetrates the root zone by watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease.
LightScarlet sage thrives in full sunlight, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area that provides bright, unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. It can also tolerate light shade, especially in areas with intense afternoon sun, but its flowering may be less prolific.
TemperatureScarlet sage prefers warm temperatures and does best with daytime temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures of 50°F, but frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be damaging. Ideally, maintain nighttime temperatures above 55°F to ensure healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning scarlet sage is important to encourage bushier growth and more abundant flowering. Trim or pinch back the tips of the stems every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to do heavy pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or faded flowers regularly to prolong blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilScarlet sage thrives in a well-draining soil mix high in organic matter with a pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal for providing the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingScarlet sage should be repotted every one to two years, preferably in the springtime before the onset of the rapid growth period. This helps to refresh the soil and provide room for continued root growth.
Humidity & MistingScarlet sage prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but it is relatively adaptable. Aim for humidity levels around 40-50% for optimal growth, which can be achieved in most indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place scarlet sage in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant scarlet sage in full sun to partial shade in rich soil.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleSalvia splendens, commonly known as scarlet sage, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown in fertile soil and under proper conditions, will germinate and sprout into a seedling. The young seedling grows into a vegetative plant, developing its distinctive foliage and establishing a robust root system to absorb water and nutrients. As it matures, scarlet sage enters the flowering stage, producing bright red flowers that attract pollinators and may contribute to the plant's propagation through seed dispersal. After pollination, the flowers give way to fruit, which are small capsules containing seeds for the next generation. Upon setting seed, the plant enters senescence where growth and metabolic processes slow down, and it may die off, especially if it is grown as an annual in climates with cold winters. If the scarlet sage is grown as a perennial, it may enter a period of dormancy over the winter before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Scarlet sage, commonly known as Salvia splendens, can be propagated most effectively by seed. The ideal time for sowing seeds is late winter to early spring, as Scarlet sage thrives best when temperatures are between 70-75°F (21-24°C). To propagate, start by filling a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining soil mix and scatter the seeds on top, gently pressing them into the soil without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist by watering from below or using a fine mister to avoid disturbing the seeds. Covering the tray with plastic or a dome can help maintain humidity, which should be removed once the seedlings emerge, typically within 2-3 weeks. Thin out the weaker seedlings and transplant the sturdy ones to individual pots once they’ve grown their second set of true leaves, and later transplant outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.
