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Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea

true

1 gallon

Scarlet Sage

In stock

2-4’x2’

Sizes:

Scarlet Sage – Salvia coccinea
Also known as: Scarlet Salvia; Tropical Sage

Scarlet Sage is a showy, long-blooming perennial native to Mexico and the southeastern United States. It thrives in desert gardens where it can bloom nearly year-round with occasional trimming. This salvia is especially loved for its vibrant flower spikes, loose bloom structure, and bright green scalloped foliage.

This plant comes in several colors, but the classic brilliant red form and the natural hybrid ‘Peaches and Cream’—a mix of soft pink and cream—are particularly popular. It grows up to 3 feet tall with supplemental irrigation and easily reseeds itself to return each year.

Scarlet Sage is one of the most rabbit-resistant flowers for low desert gardens. It is highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. To encourage bushiness, pinch plants back when they reach about 6 inches tall. You can also cut stems for bouquets to prevent legginess. If the plant becomes too rangy after summer, cut it back to the ground in fall or winter to stimulate lush new growth.

For best results, plant in full to filtered sun in well-drained soil. It adapts to a variety of conditions once established. Use it in borders, pollinator gardens, or mixed with other natives for reliable color and nectar support.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Sphinx Moths
Bird Resources: Caterpillars; Seeds; Nest
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys); Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii); California Towhee (Melozone crissalis)
Bees: Honey Bees; Native Bees

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low - Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun; Shade

Mature size:

2-4’x2’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Red; Pink/White

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

Deadhead; When the plant gets leggy and ragged, cut back to stimulate new growth

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.