This tropical wildflower blooms in sandy soil in hot climates, from early spring to late fall. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The attractiveness of scarlet sage’s flowers has led growers to create many different cultivars.
| Common name | Bloody Sage, Indian Fire, Red Sage, Scarlet Sage |
| Botanical name | Salvia coccinea |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Species | coccinea |
| Origin | Mexico, southeastern United States |
| Life cycle | Annual |
| Plant type | Annual |
| Hardiness zone | 8, 9, 10 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil condition | Clay |
| Soil ph | Acid |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Spacing | 12 in. – 3 ft. |
| Flowering period | Summer |
| Height | 1 ft. – 3 ft. |
| Width | 1 ft. – 3 ft. |
| Flower color | Burgundy, Red |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Fruit type | Schizocarp |
| Flower benefit | Good Cut |
| Garden style | Butterfly Garden |
| Uses | Coastal |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Salvia coccinea, the blood sage, scarlet sage, Texas sage, or tropical sage, is a herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae that is widespread throughout the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America (Colombia, Peru, and Brazil). At one time Brazil was considered to be where it originated, but its diploid chromosome count now points to Mexico as its place of origin.
Its specific epithet, coccinea, means “scarlet-dyed” (Latin), referring to the color of its flowers.
The plant reaches 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) in height, with many branches, and a spread of about 2.5 ft (0.76 m). The hairy leaves, scalloped on the edges, are pea green, varying in size, all the way up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long and 2 in (5.1 cm) wide. Flower color and size is quite variable. The naturalized variety is typically tubular, bright red, about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long. Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies.
Salvia coccinea is commonly grown as an annual species. It is cultivated in urban green areas as well as in private gardens around the world. It has a long flowering period, from the start of summer to the end of autumn. Cultivated varieties include orange-red, pink, salmon, red, white, and scarlet, as well as bi-colored varieties. The plant can survive winter in USDA Hardiness Zones Zones 8–10.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Salvia coccinea require full sun, which is generally defined as a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. There are varieties that will also tolerate partial shade. They are facultative long day plants and flower induction occurs more rapidly under long days. They will flower under any photoperiod, but will flower quicker and better under long days.
Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.
Temperature
Scarlet sage can grow in USDA zone 7-11. It grows best at the temperature of 16 – 19 °C. Once plants reach a saleable size, they can be moved to an open environment with good air movement. Plan ahead on this step because the plant grow very fast coming out of dormancy and can get leggy very quickly if grown too warm.
Watering
Salvia coccinea are very drought tolerant and will do better in drier soil than overly moist soil. Lightly water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Keep the soil evenly moist during all stages of growing. The plants require average amounts of irrigation, and overly wet conditions will promote tall, leggy growth.
Substrate and growing media:
Blood sage can be grown in containers but grow best in garden beds. They don’t need rich soil, but they must have good drainage. In pots, a mixture of ordinary garden soil mixed with perlite allows water to drain rapidly. The soil pH should be 5.8 – 6.2.
When planting in the garden, prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12 inches, removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible. The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the container the plant is in. Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety. Carefully fill in around the plant and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.
Fertilizing
Scarlet sage are light feeders and only occasionally need fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring, after new growth appears, can be sufficient. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release, as higher rates may encourage root rots.
Planting Instructions
The majority of scarlet sage species begin flowering in the summer and continue flowering all the way through to mid-autumn. When growing from seed, scarlet sage should be sown early in the growing season like spring to ensure that plants have time to establish themselves and flower before the arrival of frosts, later in the year. You can sow the seeds directly in the garden or, for early blooms, sow seeds indoors and transplant the new plants into the garden in early spring.
However, if you have bought a potted scarlet sage, you can choose to plant it either during the spring or the autumn. Although autumn may seem to be an unlikely time to plant scarlet sage, this is, in fact, a brilliant time of year for gardeners to get ahead before the next growing season. Autumn is an ideal time for planting or separating sage, not only to extend the flowering season in your garden but also to provide the plant with the opportunity to establish a healthy root system before its winter dormancy, so it is ready to burst into life the following spring.
Be sure to give scarlet sage plenty of space when positioning it in the garden, allowing for its tall and colorful blooms. If you are planting a tender variety of scarlet sage, such as Salvia coccinea ‘Lady in Red’, it may be better suited to a container that can be easily moved to a sheltered position, to avoid frost damage during the winter. In addition, gardeners in cooler regions may also like to consider treating tender varieties of scarlet sage that prefer warmer climates as annuals, rather than as typical perennials.
Pruning
Trimming and pinching can be done early when a fall planting is done. Pinching 2 to 4 weeks after transplant in the fall can assist in building a plant that has a thicker form and also give you more flowers spikes per pot. Trimming is not recommended when forcing plants in the spring or on plants that have been freshly planted in the spring from cooled liners.
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage flowering and prevent seed development. Pinching the growing tips of plants can encourage bushiness.
Propagation
- Seed
Blood sage is usually propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost and keep evenly moist. Seedlings will emerge in 15-21 days at 21-24 °C. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide the temperature of 16-19 °C and plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots. Before planting in the garden, accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.
- Cuttings
The plants can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings in August or September, from vegetative (non-flowering) branches that are about 3 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and trim each cutting just below a node. You can either start propagating by placing them in water or by putting them in soil. If you opt for cutting propagation in water, just put the cuttings in a vase and add a few inches of water. When rooting cuttings in soil, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a moist potting medium. One good medium to try is a 70/30 mix of perlite/vermiculite and potting soil. After three weeks, the cuttings should be ready to pot on.
Mulching
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
Mulches help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
Pests and Diseases
The most common insect problem to watch for is the two-spotted Spider Mite. A routine scouting program is recommended to ensure that Whiteflies, Aphids and other greenhouse pests don’t harm the plant as well. Foliar diseases should also be scouted to prevent Botrytis and Crown Rots.
III. Uses and Benefits
Scarlet sage is an herbaceous perennial, though it is usually grown as an annual. Its whorls of vibrant and very long-lasting blooms make it very popular in many types of gardens, from urban beds to private estates. Scarlet sage looks lovely grown in groups along borders or walkways for spring-to-fall color and beauty. Alliums, daisies, and other salvias make great companion plants.
Find Where to Buy the Best Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
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