Scarlet Salvia

Scarlet Salvia | Salvia splendens | Scarlet Sage | Red Salvia

Scarlet Salvia is a bold, heat‑loving perennial (grown as an annual in cooler climates) prized for its vibrant spikes of blazing red, tubular blooms that rise above dark green, heart‑shaped leaves. This striking selection is known for its upright habit, exceptional heat tolerance, and nonstop flowering from early summer until frost. Its nectar‑rich blossoms draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a standout choice for pollinator gardens, borders, mass plantings, and sunny landscape beds. With its tidy form and reliable performance in hot, humid conditions, Scarlet Salvia offers dramatic, fiery color with minimal maintenance.

Growing Scarlet Salvia

Light: Full sun to partial shade; produces the most abundant blooms with strong sunlight, though it appreciates light afternoon shade in the hottest climates.

Soil: Well‑drained, evenly moist soil; thrives in organically rich soils but adapts well to average garden conditions.

Water: Moderate; water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during prolonged dry spells.

Maintenance: Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages a bushier plant and promotes continuous blooming throughout the season.

Wildlife: Highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; deer‑ and rabbit‑resistant due to its slightly aromatic foliage.

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 10–11; widely grown as a fast-growing annual in cooler regions.

Shipping Info

Scarlet Salvia plants are shipped as healthy young starts in 4" nursery pots. Allow 1–2 days after arrival for plants to recover from shipping and resume active growth before repotting or planting outdoors.