This bi-annual or short lived perennial has ascending branches that form a compact bushy habit. It has dark green ovate leaves and the small scarlet tube-shaped flowers appear in a spike above the foliage from summer to autumn.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Salvia splendens is naturally found in South America in Brazil and extending to Mexico. It prefers a well drained fertile moist light soil in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Scarlet Sage is grown for its flowers and is commonly cultivated as an annual. It is planted in small or cottage gardens along borders or mass planted in bedding displays for large gardens. It is also used in tropical settings establishing in one season and can produce again flowers in a second year. This plant is also grown in patio pots or planter boxes and small cultivars are grown in window boxes. ID 304

Salvia(SĂL-vee-a) splendens(SPLEN-denz)

'Salvia': Latin salvo - I save (refers to the medicinal properties of some species): 'splendens': shining or bright.

Lamiaceae(lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
(Labiatae)
Mint Family