Salvia Splendens - Annual Flower For Your Garden © 2006

Salvia

Salvia Splendens
Family - Labiatae

Scarlet Sage

Salvia is an annual flower which has its origins in Brazil in South America. It was introduced into flower gardens in Great Britian in 1822. It flowers in summer through fall and has uses in borders, flower boxes and flower gardens. Red salvia is especially attractive to hummingbirds who are drawn to the bright color.

It is a member of the mint family and is related to the herb, sage. There are many cultivars of this annual flower garden favorite. The plant height ranges from about twelve inches to over thirty-six inches. The most popular color is red, but the color palette includes blue, pink, violet, and white, among others.

Salvia is propagated by seed, which is finicky enough to discourage seeding in place in the garden. The seed should be planted on the surface of the medium and not covered as salvia seed needs light to germinate properly. Germination temperatures should be warm, around seventy-four degrees and the seeds need constant moisture.

Salvia grows in full to part sun. The flowers may be cut for drying, as an added bonus. Cut them when they are at the peak of bloom and hang upside down in a warm, dry, light free environment.

Popular varieties include: Blaze of Fire grows twelve to fourteen inches tall.

Vista Red is one of the dwarf varieties getting about twelve inches tall.

Flare is used in middle areas of flower beds, growing around eighteen inches tall and sporting bright red spikes of flowers.

Salvia is one of the more popular annual flowers in flower gardens because of its bright red color and ease of care. Few pests bother it

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