Scarlet sage is a plant that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is originally from Mexico and the southeastern regions of the United States. It is a perennial plant in warmer climates, but it grows annually in areas where winter temperatures fall below freezing. The plant's genus name, Salvia, is derived from the Latin term "salvo," which means "be well" and refers to the plant's medicinal properties.
Scarlet sage flourishes best in sandy and fertile soil from full sun to partial shade. However, it can also tolerate clay soil if the drainage is good. The plant can grow up to 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 2.5 feet in width. Although it can withstand drought, it blooms abundantly when watered during dry spells. Scarlet sage is also prone to self-seeding.
The bright red flowers grow to an inch long and are loosely arranged in whorls along the upright stem. They bloom continuously from early summer until the first frost and are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Scarlet sage resembles pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) with edible flowers. However, it is essential to note that the flowers of scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) are NOT edible. To differentiate between the two, crush a flower and smell it. If it smells like sage or grass, it is scarlet sage, which is not edible. If it smells like pineapple, it is edible.
