About
Salvia fulgens, the Mexican scarlet sage, is a small, erect, bushy evergreen subshrub with light-green, oval leaves 3�8 cm long and brilliant-scarlet, hairy, tubular flowers 3 cm long in well-spaced whorls forming racemes to 45 cm. A vivid and rewarding sage for a sunny, warm border or heated conservatory.
About the genus
Salvia, the sages, are annuals, biennials, herbaceous or evergreen perennials and shrubs with paired, simple or pinnately lobed, often aromatic leaves and two-lipped flowers in whorls forming spikes or racemes. An exceptionally diverse and popular genus for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free compost, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter and maintain low to moderate humidity. Can be grown outdoors in frost-free areas in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist-but-well-drained soil. Protect form cold, drying winds and excessive winter wet. See our video How to care for tender salvia for more advice
PruningPruning group 9 in spring; cut back spent flower spikes to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or root softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in late summer or autumn, with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper, slugs, snails and rosemary beetle
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), powdery mildews, verticillium wilt and foot and root rots