Salvia splendens 'Lighthouse Red'
Salvia splendens ‘Lighthouse Red’ is a scarlet sage selection used when a larger, taller plant is desired for summer bedding. It is grown as an annual in most of North America and is not frost hardy. Extension writing describes the Lighthouse series as a larger presence in the landscape, with plants reaching about 24 inches in height and substantial width. It performs best in full sun with consistent moisture and well drained soil. Bloom typically runs from summer toward frost, with the strongest show in warm weather. Because of its size, it is often used behind shorter annuals rather than at the edge.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Lighthouse series
- Height × spread: up to about 24 in by up to about 20 in (about 61 cm by about 51 cm)
- Bloom window: summer to frost (varies by climate)
- Color & flower form: red tubular flowers on upright spikes
- Fragrance: 0
- USDA hardiness: tender perennial in zones 10 to 11, grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut-flower notes: not typically used as a cut flower
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Grows taller and broader than compact bedding series used for edging.
- Better as a mid bed to back bed plant than a container filler.
- Makes a stronger vertical accent in large plantings.
Strengths
- Larger plant size for bold blocks of red.
- Useful structure in mixed annual beds.
- Good visual impact from a distance.
Care in one minute
- Site: open sun, avoid wet low spots.
- Light: full sun for best bloom and stems.
- Soil and drainage: well drained soil, amend heavy beds for drainage.
- Water: consistent watering during heat, avoid repeated drought stress.
- Feeding: moderate feeding, avoid excessive nitrogen.
- Grooming: remove old spikes to support continued flowering.
Watch‑outs
- Needs space and airflow to reduce stress in humid weather.
- Can look rough if allowed to dry hard during heat.
Best uses (tags)
borders, mass planting, mid bed height, background color, warm season color
Provenance note
The Lighthouse series is described in extension gardening guidance as a larger Salvia splendens type used to create a stronger landscape presence.
References
Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, Salvia factsheet (Lighthouse series notes)
NCSU Plant Toolbox, Salvia splendens overview and bloom season notes
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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