Scarlet Salvia

Scarlet salvia

Scarlet salvia (Salvia coccinea). Photo by Carl E. Lewis

Scarlet salvia, a perennial native to Florida, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its rich red tubular flowers (sometimes pink or white) that appear from spring through fall.

This herbaceous plant can grow up to three or four feet tall, and can work in a Florida-friendly landscape anywhere in the state. Scarlet salvia grows in many different conditions, and is fairly drought tolerant. Mass it together, mix it with other perennials in a border, or feature it in a container garden.

To maintain a neat-looking landscape, lightly prune it during the flowering season. Cut it back at the end of the year when the foliage begins to die or after damage from a freeze. Salvia often self-propagates, so you might find seedlings you can use in other parts of your landscape.

UF/IFAS Publications

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