The Salvia splendens species is cultivated as an easy-care annual abroad but is a perennial in its native Brazil. The erect stems are covered in a profusion of tiny blossoms for the richest color and texture. There are varieties with flowers ranging from brilliant red to pastel tints; the lighter hues perform best when shielded from the sweltering midday sun.
Uses
Wonderful for rock gardens and varied borders. For all types of containers, perfect. Fresh bouquets of cut flowers last for a very long time. Plant for optimum results in drifts or bands.
Care
Red salvia may be the right plant for you if you want to add rich color to your garden without having to give it a lot of attention. Red salvia needs ample sunlight and soil that drains well in order to flourish. Except that, you won’t have to worry about this striking species much other than when visitors invariably inquire about the identity of that cool plant.
Deadheading faded blooms will help your red salvia appear better and will encourage them to produce abundant flowers. To accomplish this, pinch off the flower spikes that have stopped flowering, being careful to squeeze all the way to the stem’s base.
Light
Red salvia can thrive in a position that receives some shadow, but in the end, the more sun exposure it has, the better it will grow (and flower). Plant your salvia where it will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil
In moist yet draining soil, plant your red salvia. The plant prefers the loam mixture that is rich in organic matter and doesn’t get soggy or retain too much water. Before planting, enrich the soil in your landscaping with organic matter if it lacks nutrients. A sandy soil mix might also benefit from having its top layer of soil mulched, particularly during the drier summer months.
Water
The roots of red salvia plants can rot if they are overwatered, although they prefer continuously wet soil. In general, depending on rainfall totals and high daytime temperatures, a watering plan every seven to 10 days is adequate. Make sure the top inch or two of soil are dry before watering. To make sure water reaches the plant roots if the soil is dry, deeply irrigate the area.
Temperature and Humidity
Red salvia plants like to develop in soil (and other environmental) environments with stable temperatures because they are relatively temperature-sensitive. The red salvia should not be exposed to extended temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit since it is not frost hardy. Red salvia doesn’t require any particular humidity conditions.
Fertilizer
Red salvia plants should be fertilized with the same balanced fertilizer as your other annual flowering plants for optimal results. Red salvia plants often do not require frequent fertilizations and can survive with just one in the spring.
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