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Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion'
Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion'
Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion'

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Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion'

(Vermilion Tropical Sage) Tall and full of large, orange flowers, Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion' is a strain from the Louisiana gardens of hummingbird guru Nancy Newfield.

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. Vermilion 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. 60"+/48"+/72"+
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. 5 to 6 feet
Mature spread The mature width of this plant in average conditions. 4 to 5 feet
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  • Salvia coccinea 'Vermilion'
Degree of Difficulty
Easy
Degree of Difficulty
This plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
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(Vermilion Tropical Sage) Vermilion Tropical Sage, an exciting new color in this species, is grown as as an annual in most of the US, or a tender perennial in areas with warm winters. Grow this vigorous plant, and you will be repaid with bounteous, season-long flowering that attracts honeybees and hummingbirds, but not deer. 

A location with rich soil and full sun to partial shade is ideal for this fragrant Tropical Sage, which is a water lover but also thrives with average supplemental watering. It's a great back-of-border choice rarely seen in the US.

We're thankful to Nancy Newfield of Casa Colibri for her generosity in sharing Vermilion Wild Tropical Sage with us.

NOTE: A small percentage of these will be white flowered, a trait that is embedded in this strain.  We hope to be able to breed this trait out of the strain over the course of the next few years, but for now please be advised you may receive some white flowered plants.