Salvia splendens
Annual

Light: sun - partial shade
Height:  10 to 24 inches
Width:  8 to 18 inches
Flower Colors: reddish-purples, reds, creams
Bloom Time: summer - fall
Special Features:
Attracts Hummingbirds
Containers
CutFlowers
Easy to Grow
Flowers
Tolerates Drought
US Native/Wildflower
Companion Plants
Blue petunias

The genus Salvia, also known as the sages, is full of many exquisite species, including the red sages. Those raised as annuals include scarlet or red sage (Salvia splendens), and Texas sage (Salvia coccinea). True to their name, most of these are red, but they are also available in creams, purples, and salmon. Red sage grows 10 to 16 inches tall and needs moderate water, but Texas sage grows 24 to 30 inches and is fairly drought-tolerant. Both are native plants that shine in flower borders and are easy to grow. They're excellent in containers and as cut flowers. Both attract hummingbirds.

Care
Plant in average, well-drained soil. Pinch off any flowers and the end of foliage to encourage bushier, better-flowering plants. Fertilize by working in compost two or three times during the season or by applying a slow-release fertilizer, following label directions exactly. Mulch. Trim spent flowers to promote longer bloom.

Planting
Plant these warm-season annuals in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Mulch to conserve moisture.