Sage

Plants Plants are available 6–36 in in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers. Nectar Care For continuous blooming, cut Scarlet sage plants back after flowers 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 Photo by Jeff Norcini Photo by Jeff Photo by Martha Steuart extended drought. Salvia coccinea Salvia lyrata

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