What it is
Tropical Sage (Scarlet Sage) (Salvia coccinea) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. A native salvia that reseeds itself and blooms red (or coral/white) from spring to frost for hummingbirds.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it low, and give it well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0-7.5. Space plants about 18 in apart. Expect roughly Blooms first year. Native annual/short perennial.
How it's used
Tropical Sage (Scarlet Sage) is used: ornamental; pollinator.
🔎 How to identify it
- Triangular toothed leaves
- Square stems
- Red tubular flower spikes
Not for eating
Grown for the garden, soil, or pollinators — not as food.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.