Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage)

Botanical name

Salvia coccinea

Other names

Scarlet sage, Texas sage, Tropical sage, Blood sage, Hummingbird sage

Genus

Salvia Salvia

Species

S. coccinea - S. coccinea is an erect, bushy annual or tender, semi-evergreen perennial with oval to heart-shaped, toothed, hairy, dark green leaves and, from summer into autumn, slender, open, terminal spikes of soft cherry-red flowers.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Red in Summer; Red in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning Group 9 - In mid to late spring, prune lightly to remove untidy shoots.

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.3m after 1 year.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Mediterranean, Wallside and trellises, Wildlife

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in full sun or partial, dappled shade. Treat as an annual or protect from wet winter conditions. Alternatively, grow under glass in loam-based compost in full light with protection fr

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage)

Common pest name

Green semi-looper

Scientific pest name

Chrysodeixis eriosoma

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous moth pest which is morphologically identical to a pest already established in the UK in protected environments and being controlled by IPM. Not expected to cause greater impacts than other species of Chrysodeixis in the UK.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Salvia coccinea (Scarlet sage)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/