Salvia splendens 'Salsa Scarlet'
Salvia splendens ‘Salsa Scarlet’ is a compact scarlet sage commonly used for bedding and container color. It is grown as an annual in most of North America. In university trial reporting, ‘Salsa Scarlet’ has been measured as a low plant with a broad diameter for solid bed coverage. It performs best in full sun and well drained soil with steady moisture. Bloom is typically from summer toward frost, but timing varies by climate. Like many bedding salvias, deadheading or cutting back old spikes can help encourage additional flowering.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Salsa series
- Height × spread: about 11 in by about 16 in (about 28 cm by about 41 cm)
- 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
- Stays lower and wider than taller landscape cultivars.
- Makes a more continuous color block when planted close.
- Better fit for edging and small beds than classic tall salvias.
Strengths
- Compact size for neat borders.
- Wide spread for quick bed fill.
- Good option for mixed containers and seasonal displays.
Care in one minute
- Site: sunny bed or container with drainage holes.
- Light: full sun for best growth and flowering.
- Soil and drainage: well drained soil, avoid soggy mixes.
- Water: steady moisture, let the surface dry slightly between waterings.
- Feeding: light, regular feeding in containers.
- Grooming: cut off spent spikes to encourage new bloom.
Watch‑outs
- Can slow flowering after a peak flush unless old spikes are removed.
- Poor drainage can cause root problems in wet periods.
Best uses (tags)
borders, containers, edging, mass planting, warm season color
Provenance note
‘Salsa Scarlet’ is documented in North Carolina State University bedding plant trial data with recorded plant height and diameter.
References
- North Carolina State University, 1998 Bedding Plant Trial Garden Report (includes ‘Salsa Scarlet’ height and diameter data)
Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, Salvia factsheet (Salsa series notes)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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