Salvia coccinea is one of a number of native wildflowers that grace Southwest Florida landscapes. It is an easy-going, adaptable plant, able to grow in almost any well-draining, acidic to slightly alkaline, soil. Also known as Tropical Sage or Scarlet Sage, and a number of other common names, as well, this beauty can grow in sun or part shade and proves to be quite drought tolerant.

As a herbaceous perennial, the plant has a flexible, rather than woody, stem. Blooming spring through fall, and possibly longer in frost-free areas, it reaches its full height of 2-4+ feet and spread to 2 feet in one season, after which it dies back. The roots remain viable through all of this, producing new growth the next season.

Take a close-up look and you will note cylindrical-shaped flowers gracing upright spikes, and toothed leaves. Small seeds form in capsules after blooms wither and drop. If left alone, the seeds will disperse and new plants are likely to emerge where they fall. Germination continues throughout the season. Keep in mind that, because the plant is self-sowing, you may experience “volunteers” cropping up in unexpected areas.

S. coccinea is considered a short-live perennial, meaning that its lifespan is 3-5 years. Long-lived perennials, on the other hand, can last 10 years or more. But, never fear. Although the plant may be relatively short-lived, many of its seeded offspring will continue to produce lively blooms.

There are a number of cultivars associated with this native species. Blossom colors are determined by the variety selected. For example, my Scarlet Sages have vibrant one-inch red flowers. When visiting a native nursery, you may also come across S. coccinea “Brenthurst” with its pink blossoms and S. coccinea “Summer Jewel White,” among others.

There are times when another type sage may be mislabeled as the native Tropical Sage, either intentionally or unintentionally. If you find yourself unable to visit a native nursery, and happen across a Salvia in a superstore, make certain you are getting what you paid for and not an imposter. Check the label and do your research. Whenever I have doubts about a plant, I take a picture and then search for the image at iNaturalist. Although that App is my personal favorite, it is not the only one available for identification purposes. Whatever works for you is what is important.

Unlike S. officinalis, which can be processed into the sage we use for seasoning, Tropical Sage is not edible, nor is it toxic to pets. As a member of the mint family, the leaves do give off a pleasant scent. And the flowers are enjoyed by butterflies and other pollinators.

You can trim the plant to encourage new growth at almost any time of the year when you note that blooms are no longer present on a stalk, or you can cut back at the end of the season for a neater appearance.

As you can probably tell, I have a particular fondness for this wildflower. It is lovely to look at and can be positioned as a stand-alone or as a welcome addition to a wildlife habitat or butterfly garden. What’s not to love?

Until next time … happy gardening!

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com