Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) leaves. The name itself makes you think of burning desire and bright beauty. Many farmers dream of having a scene like this in their own yards: a melody of red and green plants dancing together. But, alas, dreams don’t always come true. Not many flowers, tall plants, or even worse, no flowers at all can make even the most experienced grower scratch their head in frustration.
Do not worry, fellow plant lovers! This complete guide will give you the skills and confidence to get your Scarlet Sage to put on a spectacular show. We’ll talk about its biological details, the best conditions for growing it, and its specific care needs. We’ll talk about common mistakes and give you expert tips on how to fix issues so that your Scarlet Sage not only lives but also grows.
This guide will help you grow this beautiful plant successfully, no matter how much experience you have with plants or how new you are to gardening. Let’s get gardening, roll up our sleeves, and start this burning journey to make a Scarlet Sage show that will make everyone in the neighborhood green with envy!
Botanical Background and Key Characteristics
Let’s learn about Scarlet Sage from a plant point of view before we get into the specifics of growing it.
- Scientific Name: Salvia splendens
- Family and Genus: It is in the Lamiaceae family, which has many different kinds of plants. Mint, lavender, basil, and other well-known herbs and ornamentals are in this family. There are many species in the genus Salvia, but Scarlet Sage is one of the most well-known for its beautiful flowers.
- Native Habitat: Scarlet Sage comes from the tropical parts of Brazil, where it does well in warm, damp places.
- Growth Habit: It’s a tender perennial plant that is often grown annually in cooler places. It usually grows to be between 1 and 3 feet tall and wide. The plant has bright green leaves with serrated ends and square roots that are common in mint plants. Its many tubular flowers that bloom in thick groups atop tall spikes are what make it most interesting. These flowers come in many fiery colors, from bright red to deep crimson. Some types even have flowers that are pink, purple, or white.
- Pollinator Magnet: Many pollinators, like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, are drawn to the nectar-rich flowers of Scarlet Sage. This gives your garden a lively feel.
Essential Growing Conditions
Scarlet Sage grows best in dirt that doesn’t stay soggy. It likes sun and warmth. To make the best conditions for its growth, think about the things below:
- Sunlight: Give it at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. It can handle some shade, but it needs a lot of sunshine to grow and have bright colors.
- Soil: Soil that drains well is very important. Some types of soil are good for scarlet sage, but they can grow in other types if organic matter is added to help the soil drain better and have more nutrients. There should be no more than a 1% difference in pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Water: Even though Scarlet Sage likes regular water, it’s important not to give it too much because that can cause root rot and other fungus diseases. Give the dirt a lot of water, but let it dry out a bit between applications.
- How hot or humid it is: Scarlet Sage does best when it’s warm, and the humidity is mild to high. Because it doesn’t like frost or cold, it’s usually grown as an annual in places where winters are hard.
Planting and Propagation
Setting up the right conditions from the start will help your Scarlet Sage grow, whether you’re starting from seeds or moving plants
- When to plant: When is the best time to plant Scarlet Sage? In the spring, after the last frost and when the ground is warm. This lets the plant get established while it’s still warm outside.
- Breaks: Leave 12 to 18 inches between plants to let air flow and keep them from getting too crowded. This spacing also makes it easier to gather and keep up.
- How Deep to Plant: Plant seeds in a seed starting mix that drains well, about 1/4 inch deep. When you move seeds or established plants, put them at the same depth they were growing in their pots. Firm the earth around the plants gently, and make sure they get plenty of water.
- Propagation: Scarlet Sage is mostly grown from seeds.
- Seeds: Six to eight weeks before the last frost, start seeds indoors. Plant seeds in seed-starting mix and make sure the dirt stays wet. It takes about 10 to 14 days for seeds to germinate. Plant seedlings in individual pots or outside as soon as they have a few true leaves.
Read More:
- How to Grow Sage Seeds
- How to Grow Sage Plant Indoors
- How to Grow Sage from Cuttings
- How to Grow Pineapple Sage
Care and Maintenance
Aside from a little care and attention, Scarlet Sage is a pretty easy plant to take care of. It will grow all season long if you do.
- Watering: Regularly and deeply water, especially when it’s hot and dry. Root rot can be avoided by letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Regular fertilizer is good for scarlet sage. During the growth season, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. When you fertilize plants in late summer or fall, they may grow new growth that doesn’t get hardy before winter.
- Deadheading: Regularly cutting off the dead flowers will keep the plant growing and keep it from going to seed. Just cut off the flower spikes that aren’t bright anymore just above a group of leaves.
- Pruning: Pinch back young plants to make them grow in a bushier, more spreading way. You can also lightly trim plants that are already there to keep their shape and size.
- Mulching: In the spring, put a layer of organic mulch around the plant’s base. This could be shredded bark or wood chips. Mulch helps plants keep their water, keeps weeds down, and keeps the roots safe from changes in temperature.
- Pest and Disease Control: Scarlet Sage usually doesn’t get pests or diseases. But watch out for whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. Soap or oil that kills insects should be used to get rid of any pests you see.
Scarlet Sage in the Landscape
Scarlet Sage is a beautiful and useful plant for any garden because of its bright color and lots of blooms.
- Borders and Beds: Scarlet Sage can be used to make beautiful borders or fill in empty spots in flower beds. Fire-colored shades will add a splash of color and draw in bees.
- Containers: Scarlet Sage does well in pots and brings life and color to patios, porches, and decks.
- Mass Plantings: Plant a lot of Scarlet Sage for a striking color show. The sea of red flowers will make a stunning center point in your yard.
- Companion Plants: Plant Scarlet Sage with other annuals and perennials that have colors and textures that go well with it. Petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and decorative grasses are all good plants to grow with other plants.
Read More:
- How to Grow Purple Sage
- How to Grow Sage Smudge Stick
- How to Grow Sage from Seed
- How to Grow Clary Sage
Statistical Data and Additional Insights
Here are some key statistics and additional information to enrich your understanding of Scarlet Sage:
| Characteristic | Data |
| USDA Hardiness Zones: | 10-11 (grown as an annual in other zones) |
| Bloom Time: | Summer to fall |
| Flower Color: | Scarlet red, crimson, pink, purple, white |
| Mature Height: | 1-3 feet |
| Mature Spread: | 1-2 feet |
| Sunlight Requirements: | Full sun (6-8 hours per day) |
| Soil Requirements: | Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil |
| Water Requirements: | Regular watering, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Maintenance: | Low to moderate |
| Pests and Diseases: | Generally resistant, occasional aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies |
| Landscape Uses: | Borders, beds, containers, mass plantings, companion planting |
| Attracts: | Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is my Scarlet Sage not blooming?
- Insufficient sunlight is often the culprit. Ensure your plant receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Over-fertilization can also lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
- How often should I water my Scarlet Sage?
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Can I grow Scarlet Sage indoors?
- While it’s possible to grow Scarlet Sage indoors, it’s best suited for outdoor cultivation. Indoor conditions often lack the adequate sunlight and air circulation that Scarlet Sage needs to thrive.
- How do I deadhead Scarlet Sage?
- Simply snip off the faded flower spikes just above a set of leaves.
- Is Scarlet Sage deer resistant?
- Yes, Scarlet Sage is generally considered deer resistant due to its strong fragrance and somewhat bitter taste.
- Can I save seeds from my Scarlet Sage?
- Yes, you can collect seeds from mature Scarlet Sage plants. Allow the flower heads to dry on the plant, then collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.
- How do I overwinter Scarlet Sage?
- In colder climates, Scarlet Sage is typically grown as an annual. However, you can try to overwinter it indoors by bringing it inside
