Description
Salvia coccinea is commonly known as Scarlet Sage, and it is very attractive to beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Scarlet Sage has an erect habit with branches producing multiple spikes of brilliant red 1 inch blooms that whorl along the stem. Scarlet Sage is very nice in naturalized settings and in wildlife gardens. It benefits from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming, but if a few blooms are left to seed, it will produce new plants. It is not considered to be invasive. Salvia seed can be started indoors 8 10 weeks before the last frost. Or, for areas with a very long growing season, start the seed outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seedbed by loosening the top 2 inches of soil and weeding. Cover the seed with 1/16 inch of soil. Keep seed moist until germination. With a temperature of 68 – 75F, germination is usually within 30 days. Space the plants 12 – 18 inches apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade and in moist but well-draining soil. Salvia is usually resistant to deer.
- 36 red flowering perennial grows in USDA zones 6.
- 75F, germination is usually within 30 days. Space the plants 12.
- 18 inches apart.
