Red Sage

Salvia coccinea, the blood sage,^[1] scarlet sage, Texas sage, or tropical sage,^[2] is a herbaceous perennial in the family Lamiaceae that is widespread throughout the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America (Colombia, Peru, and Brazil).^[2] At one time Brazil was considered to be where it originated, but its diploid chromosome count now points to Mexico as its place of origin.^[3]

Taxonomy

Its specific epithet, coccinea, means "scarlet-dyed" (Latin), referring to the color of its flowers.^[4]

Description

The plant reaches 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) in height, with many branches, and a spread of about 2.5 ft (0.76 m). The hairy leaves, scalloped on the edges, are pea green, varying in size, all the way up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long and 2 in (5.1 cm) wide. Flower color and size is quite variable.^[3] The naturalized variety is typically tubular, bright red, about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long.^[5] Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies.^[6]

Cultivation

Salvia coccinea is an annual species. It is cultivated in urban green areas as well as in private gardens around the world. It has a long flowering period, from the start of summer to the end of autumn.^[7] Cultivated varieties include orange-red, pink, salmon, red, white, and scarlet, as well as bi-colored varieties.^[3] The plant is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones Zones 8–10.^[8]

References