Salvia coccinea - Wild sage, Tropical sage, Fireweed
Family Lamiaceae

Description:

About 900 species of Salvia range around the world. They are herbaceous plants, shrubs, vines, trees. Besides the use of several species as garden ornamentals, some are used as spices, foods, and aromatic oils. This species is native to the southern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is attractive as a naturalized wildflower or as a garden plant. Typically, bright red flowers are held on upright spikes above the foliage throughout the growing season. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

Location:

See this plant at the east side of building 10.

Size:

Herbaceous perennial in warm climates growing to two feet tall or more. It flowers quickly from seed and may be grown as an annual in colder climates.

Care Instructions:

Light: sun to shade

Water: well-drained soil, drought tolerant, also tolerates irrigation

Soil: adaptable to soil types, no other special requirements

In Florida, this is an adaptable native plant that seems to grow best where competition from other plants is low. In Jacksonville, it seems to be at or near its northern limit as a perennial. Winter low temperatures around the mid-20’s F can kill plants but seedlings usually replace them in the following spring.