Florida gardeners will generally nd three
native Salvia species available. Scarlet
or Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) is the
most commonly available and occurs
throughout the state (with the exception of
the Keys) in areas with moist, well-drained
soils. Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata) occurs
throughout Florida south to Broward and
Lee counties in moist soils at woodland
edges or in open areas. Creeping or
Southern river sage (Salvia misella)
occurs in moist semi-shaded woodlands
from Alachua County south through
Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. All are
nectar sources for butteries.
Salvia has a long history of medicinal
uses. Crush the foliage, and you’ll detect
a faint herbal fragrance.
Description
Scarlet sage is a short-lived perennial that
persists in the landscape by self-seeding.
It generally reaches 18 to 36 inches
in height and is taller than it is wide.
Blooming occurs throughout the year in
South Florida, and summer through fall in
Central and North Florida. The abundant
blooms are 1-inch long and usually deep
coral or re-engine red, although pink
and white forms occur as well. The plant’s
square stems are green to dark brown.
Lyreleaf sage is a perennial that, for much
of the year, consists of relatively at,
variegated leaves that display a range of
Sage
green, dark violet and chocolate brown.
Light violet-colored owers appear on
deep-green or burgundy-colored stems
in late winter or early spring. Stems reach
12 to 24 inches or taller, depending on
available moisture, nutrients and light.
Creeping sage is a low-growing
evergreen groundcover 6 to 8 inches
high. Blooming occurs off and on
throughout the year, with tiny, abundant
blue owers. The blooms are not
noticeable from a distance, but the lightgreen
foliage is very attractive. Plants
creep out from a main central stem.
Planting
Some growers have successfully
established Lyreleaf sage as a spreading
groundcover after two or three years of
cultivation in a landscape. Creeping sage
is a good choice for tight areas and under
trees, where it can be planted in pockets
between roots. It tolerates light foot trafc.
Seeds
Scarlet and Lyreleaf sage seeds are
commercially available. To collect your
own, allow owers to dry on stems and
gently shake them into a container to
remove owers and obtain seed.
Plants
Plants are available in 4-inch to 1-gallon
containers. Use Scarlet sage in the midportion
of a mixed wildower bed or as an
accent by itself.
Space Scarlet sage plants 1 to 2 feet
apart and resist the urge to plant in
masses — they self-seed readily and
will spread throughout the garden. Plant
Lyreleaf sage in small clusters, with
individual plants
about a foot apart.
Space Creeping
6–36 in
Sage plants 6 to 8
inches apart.
Nectar
Care
For continuous blooming, cut Scarlet
sage plants back after owers are spent
for continuous blooming. Lyreleaf sage
can be mowed in late spring or early
summer, after it seeds. Creeping sage
can be clipped once or twice in the
summer. Lyreleaf and Creeping sage may
need water if planted in full sun or during
extended drought.
Site conditions
Scarlet sage does best in moist, welldrained
sandy soils with full sun to
afternoon shade. It can tolerate some salt
spray.
Lyreleaf sage prefers moist ground and
partial shade, but will tolerate full sun.
Creeping sage does well in bright shade
and prefers moist soils. It will tolerate
full sun but be stressed in hot and cold
weather.
Hardiness zones
Salvia species are best suited for zones
8a–10b.
Salvias are excellent nectar sources
for butteries and bumblebees.
Hummingbirds are attracted to it, too.
Many non-native sages
are sold in garden
centers and other
large retail outlets, with
minimal identication.
CAUTION
Photo by Martha Steuart
Salvia coccinea
Photo by Jeff Norcini
Salvia lyrata
Photo by Bruce Turley
Border planting of Creeping sage