| Salvia coccinea | |
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S. coccinea
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| Salvia coccinea | |
Salvia coccinea (Texas sage, scarlet sage, tropical sage, blood sage) is a herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae family that is widespread throughout the Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America (Colombia, Peru, and Brazil).[1] At one time Brazil was considered to be where it originated, but its diploid chromosome count now points to Mexico as its place of origin.[2]
Its specific epithet, coccinea, means "scarlet-dyed" (Latin), referring to the color of its flowers.[3]
The plant reaches 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) in height, with many branches, and a spread of about 2.5 ft (0.76 m). The hairy leaves, scalloped on the edges, are pea green, varying in size, all the way up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long and 2 in (5.1 cm) wide. Flower color and size is quite variable.[2] The naturalized variety is typically tubular, bright red, about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long.[4] Cultivated varieties include orange-red, pink, salmon, red, white, and scarlet, and include bi-colored varieties.[2] Flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and butterflies.[5]
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In cultivation, the species is frost-tender and usually grown as an annual. In frost-free climates, flowers may be produced as early as February and continue through December. In other areas, flowering begins as days lengthen and continue until first frost in fall. While considered frost tender, light freezes will merely kill foliage, it takes a freeze below 20 degrees F. to kill them roots and all. Plants self-sow freely.
Plants grow best with plenty of sun and rich, well-drained soils. A wide selection of cultivars are available, including 'Lady in Red' (densely packed spikes of scarlet flowers with whitish bracts), 'Coral Nymph' (bicolored salmon pink and white flowers), and 'Snow Nymph' (white flowers).
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Media related to Salvia coccinea at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Salvia coccinea at Wikispecies
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