Salvia Splendens – Scarlet Sage – Red Salvia

Salvia Splendens is the botanical name and belongs to Lamiaceae family. Salvia Splendens is extremely popular in gardens and is planted in beds, borders, and containers. A native of Brazil, Salvia Splendens is grown as an annual in temperate climate.

Plant Summary:
The plant grows upright to a height of 4 feet. The leaves are green and heart shaped about 3 to 7 cms long and 2 to 4 cms wide with a toothed margin and a tapering tip. The flowers bloom on erect terminal bracts in various colors like scarlet, purple, orange, lavender, and yellow. Bicolor varieties are also available. The sepal is bell-shaped and about 1.6 cm, flower tubes come out of the sepal are 4 cm and velvety. Lower lip is shorter than the upper lip.

The flowers attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies.

Propagation:
Scarlet Sage is grown by seeds in evenly moist, well-drained soils. Sow the seeds on the surface and place the container in a sunny place. Water the plants daily. Fertilize once a fortnight. When the plants are 8 inches pinch the tips to encourage a bushy growth.
Aphids’ attacks can be controlled by spraying an insecticide.