Scarlet Sage
Salvia splendensUSDA | Grow Zone
9-11Outdoors all year in zones 9 to 11. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 50°F.
- Light
- Full sun, 6-8 hours
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 40-60% humidity
- Temperature
- 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 1-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide
Scarlet Sage, or Salvia splendens, is a vibrant flowering plant native to Brazil, known for its striking red blooms. It is a popular choice for gardens and containers, attracting pollinators and adding color throughout the growing season.
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Ideal temperature
65-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 50°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 1-3 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Half hardy: light frost only
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Scarlet Sage prefers consistently moist soil, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
In warmer months, this may mean watering every 2-3 days, while in cooler months, reduce frequency to once a week. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause wilting and browning leaf edges.
Light
Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade may lead to leggy growth. Ideal placement is in a south or west-facing garden bed or container.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
A mix of potting soil, perlite, and compost works well to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.
Humidity
Scarlet Sage enjoys moderate humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves or place a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the pot. Signs of low humidity include browning leaf tips and leaf drop.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Scarlet Sage is between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
It is typically hardy in zones 9-11, but can be grown as an annual in cooler areas. Protect from frost and extreme heat, as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
In fall and winter, reduce fertilization to once every 2-3 months. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor flowering.
Pruning
Prune Scarlet Sage in early spring to promote bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears to cut back about one-third of the plant. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the blooming season encourages more blooms.
Repotting
Repot Scarlet Sage every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and stunted growth. To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot, loosen the roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Scarlet Sage can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.
For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and place them in water or moist soil until roots develop, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. Seeds can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Usually caused by over-watering or nutrient deficiency.
How to fix it
Check soil moisture levels and adjust watering accordingly. If nutrient deficiency is suspected, apply a balanced fertilizer.
Leggy growth
Why it happens
Occurs when the plant does not receive enough sunlight.
How to fix it
Move the plant to a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Root rot
Why it happens
Caused by overly wet soil and poor drainage.
How to fix it
Improve drainage by repotting in fresh soil and reducing watering frequency.
Browning leaf tips
Why it happens
Often a sign of low humidity or under-watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity by misting the plant or using a humidity tray, and ensure consistent watering.
Pest infestations (aphids, spider mites)
Why it happens
Common pests that can affect stressed plants.
How to fix it
Inspect regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests are found.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, prune back any dead stems and fertilize to encourage new growth. Ensure consistent watering as temperatures rise.
Summer
During summer, maintain regular watering and deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as temperatures cool and prepare the plant for potential frost. Consider bringing potted plants indoors.
Winter
In winter, minimize watering and avoid fertilizing. Protect outdoor plants from frost and cold temperatures.
Toxicity & Safety
Scarlet Sage is non-toxic to pets and children, making it a safe choice for gardens. No parts of the plant are known to cause harm if ingested.
Good to know
How often should I water my Scarlet Sage?
Water your Scarlet Sage when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be every 2-3 days in summer and weekly in winter.
Why are my Scarlet Sage leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can indicate over-watering or a nutrient deficiency. Check soil moisture and consider fertilizing if needed.
What is the best light for Scarlet Sage?
Scarlet Sage thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering.
Can I grow Scarlet Sage indoors?
Yes, Scarlet Sage can be grown indoors if it receives sufficient light, ideally from a south or west-facing window.
How do I propagate Scarlet Sage?
You can propagate Scarlet Sage through stem cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, take healthy stems, place them in water or soil, and wait for roots to develop.
When should I prune my Scarlet Sage?
Prune your Scarlet Sage in early spring to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged stems.
Is Scarlet Sage toxic to pets?
No, Scarlet Sage is non-toxic to both pets and children, making it a safe addition to your garden.
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