Salvia splendens 'Saucy Red'
Salvia splendens ‘Saucy Red’ is a taller scarlet sage selection used for bold mid bed color and strong vertical flower spikes. It is grown as a warm season annual in most of North America. Compared with compact series, this cultivar is typically used where extra height is helpful. It performs best in full sun with consistent moisture and fast drainage. Flowering is usually strongest in summer and continues toward frost if plants are kept healthy. In cool nights or early frost, growth slows quickly.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Saucy series
- Height × spread: about 24 in by about 14 in (61 cm by about 36 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
- Grows taller than many modern compact bedding salvias.
- Reads more like a mid border plant than an edging plant.
- Can need spacing to avoid crowding and humidity around the base.
Strengths
- Height adds structure in mixed beds.
- Strong red color for high contrast plantings.
- Useful for large public plantings and wide borders.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun bed with airflow.
- Light: full sun for strongest stems and best bloom.
- Soil and drainage: moist, well drained soil, avoid standing water.
- Water: deep water during dry spells, do not keep constantly soggy.
- Feeding: moderate feeding, avoid heavy nitrogen that softens stems.
- Grooming: remove spent spikes to keep new growth and new bloom coming.
Watch‑outs
- Can lean if planted in shade or rich, soft growth conditions.
- Dense planting can raise disease risk during humid weather.
Best uses (tags)
borders, mass planting, mid bed height, containers large, warm season color
Provenance note
‘Saucy Red’ appears in bedding plant and annual flower listings as a taller scarlet sage option used for larger landscape presence.
References
UF IFAS Environmental Horticulture, Salvia splendens (general culture and cultivar size range)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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