Salvias there are many, the best known is the one we use as aromatic ( Salvia officinalis ) and to which we have already dedicated a few lines in this blog. This time we are going to an ornamental variety to give a dense red color to certain places in our garden. Red sage ( Salvia splendens ). A species aromatizes your dishes; this enlivens the garden. Shall we start?

CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SAGE

Within this species there are numerous varieties that have hybridized over the years. One of the characteristics that has been handled is the size.

They are usually plants that can reach one meter in height. However, in landscaped areas, it has been preferred to look for varieties of more creeping bearing to avoid an uncontrollable jungle feeling. Even so, pruning Therefore, the most common variety is the short one with scarlet red flowers standing out on the green of its leaves.

The most outstanding varieties , both for their color and for their long-lasting flowering, are “Oasis” and “Vanguard”.

It is a plant of firm growth although not invasive. It is a good option for beginning gardeners since it does not require exquisite care to get ahead in great profusion.

WHY IS RED SAGE WORTH BEING IN MY GARDEN?

You may wonder what is special about Salvia splendens , since there are many red flowers and they are very abundant. Of course the natural world offers a thousand options and this is one more. One of the main advantages is that flowering can last up to 4-5 months. From the end of spring to the middle of the autumn, all this subject to the climatic zone in which we find ourselves.

[alert style = »green»] On the other hand, the cultivation conditions, maintenance and edaphic requirements are not complicated at all, as we will now see. The only precaution is the temperature. [/ Alert]

EDAPHOCLIMATIC NEEDS

TEMPERATURES AND LIGHTING HOW DOES RED SAGE ADAPT TO THE COLD?

In Spain it is considered an annual plant in many places since the cold winter is its downfall.

With light frosts it no longer survives . However, in warm or temperate climates or even indoors, it will be possible to keep it all year round.

It can come to deserve the name of perennial if it is properly cared for free from cold. Although indoors its red flower will delight a terrace, it is true that it is a plant more intended to cover a garden extension as mentioned at the beginning.

The red sage, like its cousin the «officinalis» requires full sun for its growth. A good orientation therefore is south – east.

SOIL AND FERTILIZER

In this it is really similar to Salvia offincinalis . Although it tolerates many types of soil, where it will be most comfortable in slightly limestone soils, it can tolerate neutral and even somewhat acidic soils. As for texture, if we look at the triangle of textures , we will have to pull more towards the sandy-loam zone.

RECOMMENDED WATERING OF RED SAGE

The soil must be damp without getting waterlogged. With adequate fertility and good soil structure (organic matter) we will achieve adequate drainage without sacrificing water retention. A dense foliage extension limiting height will protect the evaporation of water from the soil. In more arid climates you will have to be aware of irrigation. It supports some drought but we must not be too careless.

GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RED SALVIA

It is highly advisable not to sow the seed directly. To do this, we will use protected seedlings, seedlings or similar in order to ensure good hatching and roots in the early stages of growth.

The apical bud pinching is necessary if we want to obtain an adequate density and cover the soil so that in flowering it becomes a red mantle.

Once in bloom, it is advisable to remove the dried flower clusters to favor the new ones.