Scarlet Sage

salvia coccinea

Also known as: ["Texas Sage","Blood Sage"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Salvia Category: Flowers

Overview

A vibrant flowering perennial native to the Americas, known for its bright red blooms and attractive foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","fragrant flowers"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Botanical Name: Salvia coccinea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: border plantings, mixed perennial beds, or containers in full sun
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; cactus mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly; prune lightly after flowering flushes.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) or bright indirect light; adjust for intense summer sun with partial shade.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; place in filtered light during peak summer.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with root rot; stunted growth due to poor drainage; wilting despite moist soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during hottest hours; rotate plants for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter.

Temperature

Thrives in warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); prefers mild winters and hot summers.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize lightly to avoid leggy growth; stop feeding in fall; apply after watering to prevent root burn.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is vigorous.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep out of direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut above leaf nodes; remove dead or damaged stems.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Clean tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy stems; remove dead foliage.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out root ball; trim any circling roots.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose new pot; prepare fresh soil; water plant before repotting; place in appropriate light.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture delivery.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may turn purple or brown; growth halts; risk of frost damage below 32°F/0°C.

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in extreme heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Salvia coccinea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can result in reduced photosynthesis, weakening the plant and potentially leading to further decline if not addressed.

Wilting in Salvia coccinea is often a sign of water stress, either from drought or overwatering. Prolonged wilting can lead to cellular damage, reduced nutrient uptake, and eventual plant death.

Leaf spots on Salvia coccinea are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens. These spots can lead to defoliation, reduced photosynthetic capacity, and weakened plant vigour.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Salvia coccinea due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens. This can lead to decay of plant tissues, impaired water and nutrient transport, and plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Salvia coccinea is not toxic to cats. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse effects or physiological harm.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Salvia coccinea is not toxic to dogs. Ingestion of this plant is unlikely to cause any adverse effects or physiological harm.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Salvia coccinea is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Salvia coccinea?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.

Q: Does Salvia coccinea attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Q: Can Salvia coccinea be grown in containers?

A: Yes, it thrives in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and adequate sunlight.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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