(Salvia splendens)

Salvia has an upright growth with spikes of bright flowers in shades of red. The flowers will bloom through summer and autumn if plants are cut back after each flowering flush. Most varieties grow to 10-12 inches high, but there are cultivars that will grow to 20 inches. Salvia is best used in massed displays and as pot plants. It will not last long as a cut flower.

Salvia prefers warm, tropical climates, but it can be grown in cooler areas if given protection from bad weather. It is not suitable for cold climates. Choose a hot, sunny location with well-drained soil. Enrich very poor or sandy soils with manure or compost ahead of planting. Some newer varieties will show bolder color if given light shade.

Sow seeds in early spring in warm zones and in late spring in cooler areas. If starting indoors, transplant when seedlings are one to two inches high. Once the plants are established, water deeply every week or so. Plants will not tolerate soil that is constantly wet, and overwatering will cause the plant to collapse. Sidedress monthly to promote strong growth and good flowering. In tropical climates the plants can be cut back after flowering for a second season of blooms.

• Type
  annual
• Propagation
  seeds
• Light
  full sun, light shade
• Flower Color
  shades of red
• Bloom Time
  all summer
• Height
  10-12 inches
• Width
  12 inches
• Soil Requirements
  well drained
• Zones
  will not survive in warm climates
• Uses
  massed displays, pots