Plant Profile: Salvia splendens

This delicate perennial, native to Brazil, is often cultivated as an annual. There are numerous cultivars available, showcasing a spectrum of colors including red, pink, blue, lavender, orange, white, and bicolor variations. The genus name is derived from the Latin term "salveo," which translates to "to save" or "to heal," alluding to the believed medicinal properties associated with certain plants in this group. The specific epithet translates to "splendid."

These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer average, well-drained soil. They are ideal for use in beds, borders, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens, while more compact varieties work well for edging and in containers.

They produce blooms from summer until frost, featuring striking terminal clusters of bright red flowers. White cultivars and deep reddish-purple varieties are also available. The petals tend to drop early, leading to a gradual fading of the calyces in various hues.

Quick Identification

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