How to Grow Scarlet Sage (Salvia Splendens)

When you want a blast of color - especially in light shade - scarlet sage delivers. Most popular in fire-engine red, it's also available in cream, salmon, pink and purple. It's an easy plant to grow, requiring only adequate water and minimal care.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Spades
• Mulch
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Compost Makers
• Garden Trowels

1. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.

2. 

   Choose a site in full sun to light shade with average, well-drained soil. Because scarlet sage likes somewhat moist conditions, it's a good idea to work a few spadefuls of compost into the soil.

3. 

   Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed, spacing the plants 6 to 10 inches apart.

4. 

   Keep soil evenly moist. Mulching is a good idea.

5. Trim faded flowers to promote longer blooming.

6. Fertilize every four to six weeks, or work in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

7. Discard plants in fall, after frost fells them.

Tips & Warnings

• Scarlet sage grows 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall, and looks best in groups of 12 or more.
• This plant loves high humidity and adequate moisture, so it isn't a good choice for arid climates.