Salvia coccinea Buc'hoz ex Etl.

Blood Sage; Scarlet Sage

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Scarlet Sage is a native short lived perennial or annual member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae). It is found primarily in the southern third of the state, but occurs in other locations where it has escaped from cultivation. Scarlet Sage grows on dunes, in sandhills, on roadsides, and around old home sites. It has, like most members of the mint family, opposite leaves and a square stem. It is slightly aromatic when bruised. The leaves are broadly triangular with a toothed margin. The stem is hairy. Plants grow from one to three feet in height, but are usually on the shorter side in our area due to plants being killed back by frosts. The flowers are bright scarlet red. Scarlet Sage thrives in most soils in full sun. It is drought tolerant once established. The flowers attract many pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Use it as an accent plant, mixed with perennials, or in a hummingbird or butterfly garden. Scarlet Sage is easily grown from seed, and is best treated as an annual in our area. Both seed and plants are available from many sources, and it readily reseeds itself in the garden. In addition to red, cultivars are available in white and pink. Some of the commonly available cultivars are Lady in Red, Forest Fire, Coral Nymph, and Snow Nymph. --A. Diamond

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Native

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