Overview of Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray, commonly known as Texas sage, scarlet sage, blood sage, tropical sage, or hummingbird sage, is a herb that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a native of North, Central, and South America, but it is commonly cultivated throughout the world for ornamental purposes. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental value, as well as its medicinal properties.
Appearance
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea is an erect, bushy plant that usually grows up to 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has slender , sharply toothed medium green leaves that are around three inch long. The plant has tubular, two-lipped, and bright red colored flowers that grow on terminal spikes that are approximately 1-3 feet long. The flowers bloom throughout the summer and are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Uses
The plant is most commonly used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes. The flowers are a great source of nectar for bees and hummingbirds, so it makes a perfect addition for wildlife gardens. Additionally, the plant has some medicinal properties. Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea contains tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids that are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The crushed leaves can be used in poultices for minor wounds and to relieve pain and inflammation.
Finally, the plant is also used for culinary purposes. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste and can be used in salads, soups, and stews as a flavoring agent. The flowers can also be used to add color and flavor to food and drinks.
Light Requirements
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray typically needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but may not flower as prolifically as when grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is highly adaptable to different temperature conditions, but it grows best in areas with mild to warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. It can tolerate some frost but is not well suited to extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray is not picky when it comes to soil and can thrive in a range of soil types with good drainage. However, the plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate some drought conditions, but regular watering will ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Cultivation
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray is an ornamental plant mainly grown as an annual or tender perennial. It is a low-maintenance plant that needs little attention once established. The plant prefers sunny locations with well-drained soils, but it can tolerate partial shade in hot and dry climates.
It is best to plant Salvia coccinea in the spring after the last frost, directly in the garden or in containers. If you are planting in containers, ensure that the pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, so provide enough space for the plant to grow. Plant it at a distance of about 12-15 inches apart in the garden. Salvia coccinea grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
Watering
Salvia coccinea requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during dry periods and reduce watering in winter. The plant is drought-tolerant once established, but it will benefit from regular watering in hot weather.
Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging as Salvia coccinea is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent disease.
Fertilization
Salvia coccinea is a low-maintenance plant and does not require heavy feeding. However, it will benefit from a slow-release balanced fertilizer applied during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer once in early summer and again in late summer after the first flush of blooms.
Avoid overfertilizing as it can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Salvia coccinea does not require regular pruning. However, it will benefit from occasional trimming to promote bushiness and flowering. Prune the plant back by 1/3 in midsummer after the first flush of blooms to encourage a second round of flowers.
Remove dead or damaged stems regularly to promote overall plant health. You can also pinch back the growing tips of the plant to promote branching and a fuller plant.
Propagation of Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray
Salvia coccinea Etl. var. pseudococcinea (Jacq.) A.Gray, commonly known as scarlet sage or tropical sage, is a fast-growing perennial plant that is easy to propagate. Propagation can be done either by seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagating Salvia coccinea from seeds is a popular method, and the seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. For direct sowing, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Sow the seeds thinly at a depth of around 1/8 inch, and keep the soil moist. The seeds will germinate in 5-14 days depending on the temperature. Thin seedlings to about 12 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches in height.
For starting seeds indoors, use a well-draining soil mix and sow one seed per cell in a flat. Keep the soil moist and provide heat in the form of a heating mat if necessary. After germination, move the seedlings to a brightly lit area and water them regularly. Harden off seedlings before planting them in the ground outside.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is an easy and quick way to propagate Salvia coccinea. Take a 3-4 inch cutting from a healthy plant in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove the leaves from the bottom couple of inches of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be planted in its permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Salvia coccinea can also be propagated by division. In early spring or fall, dig up a mature plant and gently separate the root ball into sections using a sharp knife or pruner. Each section should have several stems and a good portion of roots. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist.
Disease Management
S. coccinea var. pseudococcinea is generally a healthy plant, but it can be affected by certain diseases. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spots: S. coccinea var. pseudococcinea can develop leaf spots caused by fungi such as Cercospora, Septoria, and Alternaria. These leaf spots are usually circular, brown, or black in color and can cause the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide, if necessary.
- Powdery mildew: The plant is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that forms a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, ensure adequate air circulation, and apply a fungicide, if necessary.
- Root rot: S. coccinea var. pseudococcinea can experience root rot, caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium and Phytophthora. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and plant collapse. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plants.
Pest Management
S. coccinea var. pseudococcinea is also susceptible to certain pests. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: Aphids can infest the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water to dislodge the aphids.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause leaf stippling and yellowing, as well as webbing on the plant. To manage this pest, ensure adequate humidity, use insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water to dislodge the mites, and apply a miticide, if necessary.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as the development of a sooty mold on the plant. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water to dislodge the whiteflies, and apply a systemic insecticide, if necessary.
