How to Grow Scarlet Sage Vine
Scarlet Sage Vine
Salvia splendens
flowerScarlet sage is a vibrant tender perennial shrub, commonly grown as an annual, known for its striking tubular flowers that range from scarlet red to pink, purple, and white. Native to Brazil, it produces dense spikes of showy blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the growing season. The plants develop attractive deep green foliage that contrasts beautifully with the brilliant flower spikes.
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Example Scarlet Sage Vine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Sage Vine
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Scarlet Sage Vine blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy perennial in zones 10-11; grown as tender annual in zones 3-9
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Seed/Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves, delicate and light green
Keep soil warm (70-75°F) and consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Seedlings are slow-growing initially. Thin to strongest plants or transplant to individual pots.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop bushy growth with multiple stems and increasingly prominent deep green foliage
Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 6 inches to encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture and feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Provide full sun.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksDense flower spikes begin to form at branch tips; buds appear densely packed along the stem
Switch to flowering fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium. Maintain regular watering. Ensure adequate sunlight (minimum 6 hours). Support stems if needed.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostVibrant tubular flowers open progressively along spikes in shades of scarlet, pink, purple, or white depending on variety
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming. Water regularly during hot weather. Feed every 2-3 weeks with flowering formula. Maintain humidity for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Decline/Winter
VariableFlowering slows or stops as temperatures drop or frost approaches; foliage may yellow in annuals
In zones 10-11, reduce watering and fertilizing for dormancy. In colder zones, treat as annual and remove at end of season. Can be overwintered indoors in containers under grow lights.
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects; use yellow sticky traps
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Increase humidity; spray with water or miticide; neem oil application
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicidal spray if needed
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Remove by hand; use beer traps or copper tape barriers; encourage ground beetles
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Spray with strong water stream; insecticidal soap; ladybugs or other beneficial insects
Uses
Garden Display & Cut Flowers
OrnamentalScarlet sage is a showstopping bedding plant and border specimen that produces brilliant continuous color throughout summer and fall. Tall spikes make excellent cut flowers for arrangements. [source]
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe tubular scarlet flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and attract numerous butterfly species, making it invaluable for pollinator gardens. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdScarlet sage performs beautifully in pots and containers on patios, balconies, and decks, bringing vibrant color to any outdoor living space. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalSalvia splendens shares the genus with medicinal sage species and has been used in traditional medicine, though scarlet sage is primarily grown ornamentally. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Scarlet sage is grown for ornamental flowers, not harvest. Pinch or deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements—cut in the morning when flowers are fresh. For seed collection, allow some flowers to fade naturally and dry on the plant; collect seed pods when brown and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Scarlet sage is native to Brazil and was introduced to European gardens in the 19th century, becoming wildly popular as a Victorian bedding plant.
- 🌱 The tubular flowers are perfectly adapted to hummingbird pollination—the tube shape and bright scarlet color are ideal for the birds' long beaks and attraction to red.
- 🌱 Despite the common name 'vine,' scarlet sage is not actually a climbing vine but a bushy shrub; it's sometimes called 'Scarlet Sage' or 'Red Salvia' to avoid confusion.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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