Scarlet sage Salvia splendens
Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) is an annual flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Brazil (Atlantic forest margins). It grows 25–60 cm (10–24 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Scarlet sage in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Scarlet sage at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 25–60 cm (10–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 7–11 weeks after planting, for 14–21 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 80 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Brazil (Atlantic forest margins) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Scarlet sage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity reported for people; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Scarlet sage
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Scarlet sage
- How far apart should I plant Scarlet sage?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Scarlet sage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Scarlet sage need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Scarlet sage?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Scarlet sage flower?
- About 7–11 weeks after planting, for 14–21 weeks.
- Is Scarlet sage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported for people; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with Scarlet sage?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Scarlet sage. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Tender perennial in zones 10-11, grown as an annual elsewhere; counted from transplant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare