Tropical Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia coccinea

Common Names: Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage

Native to: Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America

Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height: 18-36 inches 

Width: 12-24 inches 

Winter Look: Dies back, sometimes returning from roots, usually returns from seed

Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall (scarlet red, pink, or white tubular flowers)

Drought Tolerance: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils (does well in my clay soil)

pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11 (grown as an annual in colder zones)

Deer Resistance: Moderate; occasionally browsed by deer

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies

Notes: Known for its showy, tubular flowers that bloom profusely over a long season, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. Ideal part shade gardens, wildflower areas, and containers. Thrives in a variety of soil types and tolerates heat and humidity well. Can reseed freely in warmer climates, creating a naturalized effect. 

If you want to add some to a wild area, consider making it fun by making wildflower bombs. Mix the seeds up in a bowl of mud and roll handfuls into balls. Then right before a rain, launch them into the field or woods!

In addition to attracting pollinators and hummingbirds, Tropical Sage also attracts Gold Finches. They love the seeds!