Texas sage (Salvia coccinea 'Forest Fire')
Salvia coccinea 'Forest Fire' (Texas sage) offers brilliant fire-red blooms from July to October. A low-maintenance perennial grown often as an annual.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’, commonly known as Texas sage, is celebrated for its vibrant, fire-red tubular flowers that reliably bloom from mid-summer well into the fall. This particular cultivar stands out as it is one of the few red-flowered sages native to the U.S., making it a striking addition to the garden tapestry. Grown as an herbaceous perennial in warmer climates (Zones 8-10), it provides season-long color and is valued for its easy-care nature and suitability for creating focal points.
The attractive foliage complements the intense floral display of Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire,’ which thrives in sunny locations. Whether treated as a short-lived perennial or a dependable annual, this Texas sage offers exceptional visual impact with minimal effort from the gardener. Its preference for well-drained soil ensures healthy structure throughout the growing season. Plan to incorporate this showy salvia into bedding designs for continuous warmth and brightness.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to October
- Bloom Description: Fire-red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For the best performance, plant Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ in deep, well-drained soil. While hardy to Zone 8, it is frequently cultivated as an annual outside of frost-free regions. If starting from seed indoors in cooler climates like St. Louis, begin 6 to 8 weeks before your expected last spring frost date for earlier summer flowers. Direct seeding after the last frost will result in later bloom production.
When setting out seedlings or purchased plants, ensure they are well-established post-frost danger. Although Texas sage prefers evenly moist soil, it tolerates drought once established, especially benefiting from sharp drainage to prevent root issues. In northern latitudes, maximizing light exposure in full sun is recommended, but in intensely hot southern summers, providing dappled afternoon shade can help prevent wilting.
Maintenance for this scarlet sage is straightforward. Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages the plant to produce more of those desirable fire-red blooms extending into October. This prolific self-seeder in mild winter areas means you may find new plants popping up the following spring if you allow some seed heads to mature.
Landscape Uses
Texas sage, utilizing its compact size of 1 to 2 feet, excels when planted in mixed borders where its intense color can contrast with lighter-toned companions. Because it is often treated as an annual, it is perfect for plugging into seasonal containers or window boxes, adding immediate vertical interest. Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ performs beautifully massed in beds, creating a cohesive ribbon of scarlet red throughout the heat of summer.
This particular salvia works well alongside silver-foliaged plants, which allow the rich red flowers to truly pop. Consider pairing it with medium-height perennials or annuals that share similar sun and water requirements. Its adaptability means it easily integrates into cottage gardens or more structured formal plantings that need bright, reliable color from July onward.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Salvia coccinea, commonly called Texas sage, bloody sage or scarlet sage, is a red-flowered sage that is grown in St. Louis as an annual. It carries the distinction of being the only U.S. Native sage to have red flowers, originating from areas between South Carolina, Florida, west to Texas and Mexico, thriving in sandy, disturbed sites. The cultivar ‘Forest Fire’ specifically showcases tubular, fire-red flowers, measuring up to 3/4 inch long, emerging from noticeable reddish-black calyxes, making this Texas sage a vivid garden highlight.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
This plant is generally recognized for having few serious insect or disease issues in the garden. However, gardeners should remain vigilant for signs of fungal infections, particularly downy mildew and powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions or where air circulation is poor. Occasionally, persistent pests such as aphids, whiteflies, or slugs might settle on the soft foliage; use targeted insecticidal soaps or organic controls for small infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Texas sage suitable for?
Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10, allowing it to survive the winter in warmer regions.
How large does Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a modest size, growing between 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading to a similar 1 to 2 feet wide.
When does Texas sage bloom?
You can expect the beautiful fire-red blooms of this Texas sage to appear reliably from July all the way through October.
What sun exposure does Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ need?
This plant performs best when situated in full sun, though it appreciates light afternoon shade when grown in extremely hot southern climates.
Conclusion
The striking, low-maintenance nature of Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’ makes it an indispensable plant for adding lasting, vivid color to summer landscapes. Its drought and deer resistance further enhance the value of this excellent Texas sage variety. Before planting, confirm your local growing zone compatibility or plan to treat this beautiful scarlet sage as a beloved annual for instant impact.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Salvia coccinea ‘Forest Fire’, focus on plants that also appreciate full to partial sun and perform well in consistently drained soil. Silver-leaved varieties like Artemisia or Lamb’s Ear provide a cool backdrop that makes the scarlet flowers leap forward visually. For height variation in borders, consider planting taller grasses or spire-like flowers such as Veronica or ornamental Alliums that bloom earlier in the season.
Since this Texas sage performs strongly during the mid-to-late summer heat, pairing it with summer-blooming Calibrachoa or Petunias in containers creates a continuous “spill and thrill” effect that draws the eye. Remember that proper spacing is key to ensuring good air circulation, which helps mitigate the risk of powdery mildew in humid environments.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular shape and bright coloration of the ‘Forest Fire’ cultivar are specifically attractive signals to hummingbirds. Planting patches of this Scarlet sage provides a critical nectar source during the later summer months when many earlier season flowers have faded. While less noted for bee attraction compared to other salvias, its presence still contributes positively to the overall ecosystem of a pollinator garden. Look for hummingbirds fluttering around the flower spikes throughout the day.
