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Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun; Shade

2-4’x2’

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Red; Pink/White

Year-Round

Deadhead; When the plant gets leggy and ragged, cut back to stimulate new growth

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Salvias are a bee, butterfly and especially hummingbird favorite. They come in many colors and offer a never-ending supply of flowers all year. My favorites are Scarlet for its vibrant red and the bicolor variety Peaches and Cream for the more subdued pinks and creams. The plants can grow 3 feet tall or more with water and readily reseed themselves year after year. Characterized by the loose, widely spaced nature of the flowering spike and bright green hairy, scalloped leaves. The best part is that these are my most rabbit-resistant flower! Pinch back once plants are about 6 inches to promote bushiness. You may cut and use for bouquets to keep plants from getting too leggy, allow plant to grow freely. New growth will grow from the base to fill out any sparseness. If the plant is becoming too rangey after summer, you can cut back to the ground to freshen up the plant and stimulate new growth. Most likely native to Mexico.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.