Salvia splendens

Salvia splendens, also known as scarlet sage, is a perennial from Brazil that is cultivated as an annual in our climate. It boasts a long flowering period with dense spikes adorned with bright red flowers on a beautiful backdrop of dark green leaves. This ancient plant is reliable and vigorous from germination, showing resistance to inclement weather. It is perfect for beginner gardeners. Plant in a sunny spot, in moist, light, and well-drained soil.

Salvia splendens is an herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. It is a perennial from the hot and humid regions of Brazil, where it lives between 2000 and 3000m (6562 and 9842ft) above sea level. Reaching up to 1.3m (4ft) in its home country, it forms an upright clump of stems measuring 30cm (12in) in height and 25cm (10in) in width in our climate within a season. Its four-angled stems are branching and erect. Its dark green leaves cling to the stems along their entire length, and are ovate to lanceolate, dentate. From late spring to late autumn, the floral spikes rise above the foliage. The tubular flowers are bright red, displaying a wonderful contrast with the leaves.

Scarlet sage is a queen of flower beds, encountered by everyone at some point, whether in a neighbour's garden or in the flower beds of public spaces. It looks wonderful scattered in small groups among other plants with complementary colours, such as blue delphinium and the silver of wormwood. It blooms even when summer perennials are resting. It also performs very well in pots, adorning patios, balconies, and window boxes.