Texas sage (Salvia coccinea) SAL-vee-ah kok-SIN-ee-ah Genus:  Salvia This upright tender perennial provides rich color for annual bedding schemes where it is not hardy. Its deep red flowers are borne on 2- to 2.5- foot, open spikes from summer to autumn. Plants grow to about a foot wide and bear hairy, oval to heart-shaped leaves. Salvias are some of the showiest plants for containers, annual borders, and mixed borders. Butterflies and hummingbirds love them. Care:  Provide moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It can take full sun in the north, yet it tolerates considerable shade (which it prefers in the afternoon in the south). Self-sows in warm climates. Propagation:  Sow seed or divide plants in spring; take cuttings spring through fall. Problems:  Powdery mildew, rust, stem rot, fungal leaf spots, whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 6 in. to 12 in. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Native, Self Seeds, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Red Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Naturalizing, Suitable as Annual Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Perennials