Perennial
Tropical Sage
Salvia coccinea
Varieties We Carry
StandardSalvia coccineaRedSalvia coccineaPinkSalvia coccinea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 13.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size2-4 feet × 1-3 feet
About Tropical Sage
Tropical Sage (Salvia coccinea) is a short-lived native perennial or subshrub bearing tall spikes of vivid scarlet tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the warm season. Native to the southeastern United States and tropical America, it self-seeds freely and naturalizes in gardens. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red, Pink, White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in full sun to part sun; Salvia coccinea blooms most prolifically with 6+ hours of direct sun in NE Florida. It tolerates light shade but flowering is noticeably reduced — place it where it receives at least morning sun.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established in NE Florida's sandy soils; water regularly for the first season, then reduce to supplemental irrigation only during extended dry spells. Avoid overwatering — well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot in Florida's wet summers.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in any well-drained soil from sandy to clay; no heavy amendment needed in NE Florida. Apply a light balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once in spring; excess nitrogen produces leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Allow plants to self-seed for naturalized reseeding each season.
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Common questions
Is Tropical Sage a good plant for St. Augustine?
Tropical Sage is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-4 feet × 1-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.