Native Southern Sages

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The origin of Salvia coccinea can be traced to Mexico and it has spread through most of the subtropical regions of North America. It is usually an annual, but is a tender perennial in the coastal south. Scarlet-red is the most common color, but its tubular flowers come in many shades including orange-red, red, scarlet, pink, salmon and white. Bicolors also occur in which the upper lip is a different color than the lower lip.

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Propagation can be done by seed or cuttings. Cuttings will produce plants identical to the parent plant, while seeds may produce many different colors and sizes. An early spring sowing of seeds will result in August flowering. Cuttings can be rooted in moist soil in the shade.

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade in good garden soil that is rich in humus with some sand. They do best with weekly watering, but are somewhat drought resistant and can be grown as annuals in any climate zone.

For a nice show and to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, plant in groups of 3 or more with other late blooming annuals or perennials.

The hardy native perennial, Lyre-leaf Sage signals the return of the
Ruby-thoated hummingbirds to North America in spring. The name "lyre-leaf" was given because the leaves look something like the ancient harp like musical instrument, the Lyre.

The rosette of leaves makes a colorful ground cover for most of the year. In early spring, beautiful spikes of light blue to lavender flowers shoot up to put on quite a show.

Salvia lyrata likes sandy soil and full sun to part sun. It is hardy and easy to grow. Lyre-leaf Sage can be planted in beds or used as a ground cover. For a ground cover, the seed heads can be mowed down with a lawn mower set on the highest level. The beautiful leaves will remain and will sometimes put on a second bloom.

Propagate by seed.