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Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'
Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'
Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'
Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'

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Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'

(Lady in Red Tropical Sage) Lady in Red is a variety of Salvia coccinea Juss. ex Murray, which is often called Texas Sage. It is the best red-flowering Tropical Sage that we grow.

Common name This is the non-scientific name used for a plant. A plant may have several common names, depending on the gardener's location. To further confuse the matter, a common name may be shared by several completely different plants. At Flowers by the Sea, we rely on the scientific name to identify our plants and avoid confusion. Lady in Red Tropical Sage
USDA Zones The U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones indicate the temperature zones where a plant is likely to thrive. It is determined by the average annual winter minimum temperature. Actual winter temperatures may be higher or lower than the average. 9 - 11
Size (h/w/fh) The anticipated mature size of the plant: Height, Width & Flower Height. 24"/24"/36"
Exposure This is the average amount of sunlight that a plant needs to thrive. Generally, full sun exposure is 6 or more hours of direct sun daily while partial shade is less than 4 hours of sun or dappled shade all day. Plants may tolerate more sunlight in cooler climates and need afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. Full sun to partial shade
Soil type This is the kind of soil that a plant needs to thrive. Most plants require a well-drained soil that allows the water to soak into the soil without becoming soggy. Sandy and clay soils can be improved by digging in compost to improve drainage. Rich
Water needs Plants have specific water requirements. Water loving means the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. Average generally indicates applying 1 inch of water per week, or watering when the soil is dry to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. One inch of water is equal to 5 gallons per square yard of soil surface. Average
Container plant? "Yes" indicates that this plant can be successfully grown as a container plant. Yes
Hummingbird plant? Hummingbirds have been observed regularly feeding from this plant's flowers. Yes
Mature height The mature height of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 2 to 3 feet
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  • Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'
  • Salvia coccinea 'Lady in Red'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Lady in Red Tropical Sage) Lady in Red is a variety of Salvia coccinea Juss. ex Murr., which is often called Texas Sage. It is the best red-flowering Tropical Sage that we grow and a 1992 winner of an All American Selections award.

The lush flower spikes of Lady in Red draw butterflies, honeybees and hummingbirds to the rich nectar of this Southern species and American native.

Unlike the dwarf variety of Lady in Red, which was bred by the Japanese company Takii Seed/Sahin, this is a full-sized Tropical Sage that the Japanese breeder developed in conjunction with the Netherlands firm of Zaden B.V.

Fuzzy and shaped like elongated hearts, the dark-green leaves of Lady in Red are heavily veined and have serrated edges. The fragrant foliage contrasts dramatically with the long-blooming flowers.

If you have persistently damp spots in your yard, Tropical Sages are good solutions due to their water-loving nature. However, they do just fine with an average amount of watering based on local rainfall.

Similar to other Tropical Sages, Lady in Red thrives in full-sun to partial shade and requires rich garden soil. It is a tender perennial in areas with moderate winters and a lovely annual bedding plant elsewhere.

Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea) existed in the American Southeast, Central America and South American prior to European conquest of the New World. Early plant exploration led to its naturalization in Europe and Africa.