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Annual Biennial

Salvia splendens
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

scarlet sage

A compact, upright perennial usually grown as an annual, with oval leaves and dense spikes of tubular scarlet flowers with large red bracts, over a long period in summer and autumn

Other common names
bonfire flower
firecrackers
see moreglobe of fire
Synonyms
Salvia splendens 'Scarlet Sage'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Salvia can be annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, or shrubs. They have paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and 2-lipped flowers in whorls, forming simple or branched spikes or racemes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S. America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil in full sun. Pinch out young growth to encourage bushiness. Water in dry weather

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15-18°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back faded flower spikes after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots

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