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Bonfire
cultivar selection
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: cultivar selection
- Height × spread: about 26 in tall by about 9 to 18 in wide (66 cm tall by about 23 to 46 cm wide)
- Bloom window: summer to frost (varies by climate)
- Color & flower form: scarlet 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
- Typically taller than compact modern series used for edging.
- Better suited for mid bed height and background blocks of red.
- May need more spacing than dwarf bedding types.
Strengths
- Strong vertical spikes for bold color blocks.
- Useful where extra height is needed without shrubs.
- Performs well in warm season public plantings when watered well.
Care in one minute
Site: sun, airflow, and good drainage.
Light: full sun is best.
Soil and drainage: well drained soil, avoid waterlogging.
Water: even moisture, especially during heat.
Feeding: moderate feeding, avoid excess nitrogen.
Grooming: remove old spikes for repeat bloom cycles.
Watch‑outs
- Can lean in shade or in overly rich soil that pushes soft growth.
- Crowding can increase problems in humid weather.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
‘Bonfire’ is a long established scarlet sage cultivar and is also noted under the name ‘Clara Bedman’ in some extension references.
References
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, Salvia factsheet (includes ‘Bonfire’ and ‘Clara Bedman’)
UF IFAS Environmental Horticulture, Salvia splendens (general culture and cultivar size variation)
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