Scarlet sage

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Annual

Typical Size

3 ft. tall
2 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer, Drought

Propagation

By seed, By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Self-seeds readily. Does not require cold stratification.

Plant Planting Notes

1 foot spacing

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Fragrant heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges

Flowers

1 inch flowers

Fruit

Nutlet

USDA Hardiness Zones

8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

No

Plant Native Habitat

Coastal sandy wood edges

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

According to the Flora of the Southeast United States “The species is certainly only an introduction in the more northern parts of its distribution in our region. Whether it is native in the more southeastern parts of the region is uncertain and disputed”. Native to southeast Texas.