Flowering plants are absolute stunners in the world of gardening. But make them flowering herbs and not only do they remain beautiful but also become beneficial and often medicinal stunners. The Red Flower Sage or Red Salvia is one such flowering and herbaceous plant.
Buy Seeds of Red Salvias for Sale
This blog will tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful plant and how to grow it.
• Know the Red Flower Sage Better
The Salvia Red plant, also known as Scarlet Sage or Salvia splendens, originates from Brazil. This perennial plant is renowned for its vibrant, fiery red flowers, which bloom from summer to fall, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The plant's dense, bushy growth reaches about 12-24 inches in height, making it ideal for garden borders, containers, and mass plantings. Its lush, dark green leaves provide a striking contrast to the vivid blossoms. Salvia Red thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It's heat-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking continuous, eye-catching color throughout the growing season.
• Types of Salvias: What Others Can You Grow
1. Salvia officinalis (Common Sage)
Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, this type features woody stems and grey-green leaves. It blooms with purple-blue flowers and is often used in cooking and herbal remedies.
2. Salvia splendens (Scarlet Sage)
Recognized for its vibrant red flowers, this species is commonly used in ornamental gardens. It has a compact growth habit and blooms from summer to fall, attracting pollinators.
3. Salvia nemorosa (Wood Sage)
This hardy perennial produces spikes of violet-blue flowers and is valued for its long blooming period. It’s often used in borders and mixed beds due to its resilience and decorative appeal.
4. Salvia leucantha (Mexican Bush Sage)
Known for its velvety, purple-and-white flower spikes, this species adds texture and color to gardens. It thrives in warm climates and blooms in late summer to early winter.
5. Salvia greggii (Autumn Sage)
A versatile, drought-tolerant plant, it features small, tubular flowers in a range of colors including red, pink, and purple. It blooms from spring to fall and is popular in xeriscaping and pollinator gardens.
• Tools Needed to Grow Your Red Flower Sage
Planting Salvia Red requires a few essential tools to ensure successful growth and establishment:
1. Gardening Gloves
Protect hands from soil and potential thorns when handling plants.
2. Hand Trowel
Useful for digging individual holes for each Salvia plant and loosening soil.
3. Pruning Shears
Needed for trimming any damaged or overgrown roots before planting.
4. Watering Can or Hose
Essential for watering newly planted Salvias thoroughly to help them settle into the soil.
5. Organic Compost or Fertilizer
Enhances soil fertility and provides essential nutrients for healthy growth.
6. Mulch
Helps retain moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth around the plants.
7. Measuring Tape or Ruler
Ensures proper spacing between plants, typically 12-18 inches apart.
8. Garden Fork
Useful for aerating soil and mixing compost or fertilizer evenly.
9. Garden Hoe
Helps in preparing the planting area by loosening the soil and removing weeds.
10. Plant Labels (optional)
Useful for marking where each Salvia Red plant is placed, especially if planting multiple varieties or species in the same area.
• How to Plant & Grow Salvia Red
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Salvia Red thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil with a garden fork or hoe and mix in organic compost to enhance fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil is free of weeds and large clumps.
3. Dig Planting Holes
Using a hand trowel, dig holes that are twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of the Salvia Red plants. Space the holes about 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth.
4. Plant the Salvia Seeds
Remove the Salvia Red plants from their containers, gently loosen the roots, and place each plant in a hole. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
5. Water Thoroughly
After planting, water the Salvias deeply to help settle the soil around the roots. Continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Mulch and Maintain
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and monitor for pests or diseases.
Happy Gardening!
