Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Mark Hutchinson, Hernando Chapter, FNPS
Photo by: Marjorie Shropshire, Martin County Chapter FNPS
Photo by: NULL
Photo by: Eleanor Dietrich, Magnolia Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Ginny Stibolt, Ixia Chapter FNPS
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Nomenclature

Common Name:

scarlet sage, tropical sage, blood sage

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Salvia coccinea

Family:

Lamiaceae (Labiatae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

flower

Size:

2-6 ft tall by .5-2 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

red, pink

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

Can bloom at any time of year. Tends to die back in northern areas.

Noted For:

Showy Flowers

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Wildflower gardens and meadows.

Considerations:

Readily self-seeds and can be fairly aggressive.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Seed

Propagation:

Readily self-seeds, seeds can be easily collected by bagging the flowers once they start to wilt.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Somewhat moist, no flooding ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Moderate. Tolerant of salty wind and may get some salt spray.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

5.5 to 7.5

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B,11

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Birds

Attracts butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators.

Attracts hummingbirds, nut-hatches, and warblers.

Native Habitats:

Disturbed sites, calcareous bluffs, shell mounds.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

Reports on edibility of this plant are conflicting...and there is potential to confuse this native with other red-flowered Salvia species. People have reported getting a severe stomach ache from consuming a concentrated extract from the flower. Others have suggested that the leaves can be dried and used instead of the imported sages. Both the leaves and flowers have a slightly sour minty taste and have been used in salads or as garnish. Just remember, what you eat is your own responsibility....

General Comments:

In mild areas, plants sometimes persist through the winter and will bloom again. They need to be cut way back or they will not be attractive.