Hummingbirds can visit up to 1,000-2,000 flowers per day in search of nectar.1 Native plants like scarlet sage can help attract these birds to your yard and also support hummingbird populations.
With its vibrant red tubular flowers and long blooming season, scarlet sage is a top choice for creating a hummingbird haven. If you want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden, here’s a guide to planting, growing, and caring for scarlet sage, ensuring your yard becomes an irresistible destination for these tiny, winged wonders.
About Scarlet Sage
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is a tender perennial native to Mexico and the southeastern United States. It boasts vibrant red, tubular flowers that bloom continuously from spring to fall, making it an ideal choice for adding long-lasting color to your garden.
The plant typically grows between 1 and 2 feet tall and wide. Its attractive, triangular-shaped leaves emit a pleasant, sage-like aroma when brushed or crushed.
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In addition to its stunning appearance, scarlet sage is also known for its hardiness and adaptability. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining.
Once established, this low-maintenance plant is also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those living in areas with limited rainfall.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a spot for your scarlet sage, consider an area that receives full sun to partial afternoon shade. This plant thrives in warm temperatures and well-draining soil, so avoid planting in low-lying areas prone to standing water or heavy clay soils.
Scarlet sage also makes an excellent addition to container gardens, allowing you to enjoy its vibrant blooms and hummingbird-attracting qualities on patios, decks, or balconies. When planting in containers, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting your scarlet sage, take the time to prepare the soil properly. Begin by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area. Then, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
To improve soil fertility and structure, incorporate a generous amount of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the planting bed. This will help retain moisture, improve drainage, and provide essential nutrients for your scarlet sage plants.
Planting Scarlet Sage
Scarlet sage can be grown from seeds or purchased as young plants from your local nursery. If starting from seed, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Press the seeds lightly into the soil surface, as they require light to germinate.
When planting scarlet sage seedlings or nursery-bought plants, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball of each plant, and space them 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
After planting, water the scarlet sage thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering & Fertilizing
Scarlet sage prefers consistently moist soil, especially during the active growing season. Water your plants deeply and regularly, taking care not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions.
To encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms, fertilize your scarlet sage plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the summer.
Pruning & Deadheading
To keep your scarlet sage looking tidy and encourage continuous blooming, remove spent flowers (deadheading) regularly. Pinching off the first bloom will also help promote bushier growth and more abundant flowering.
If your scarlet sage plants become leggy or overgrown, don’t hesitate to prune them back to maintain a compact shape and stimulate fresh growth. Cutting back the plants in midsummer can rejuvenate them and encourage a new flush of blooms for the latter part of the growing season.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Scarlet sage’s tubular, nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds. To create an enticing habitat for these fascinating creatures, plant scarlet sage in masses or alongside other hummingbird favorites, such as bee balm, columbine, and trumpet honeysuckle.
In addition to providing nectar-rich flowers, consider placing a hummingbird feeder near your scarlet sage plants to offer an additional food source. A shallow, moving water feature, such as a small fountain or dripper, will also attract hummingbirds, as they love to bathe and drink from moving water.
By following these simple planting and care tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a vibrant and wildlife-friendly garden that buzzes with the beauty of scarlet sage and the delightful hummingbirds it attracts.
Source:
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.