Salvia coccinea (Salvia coccinea)!
Called 'red sage'; annual plant with red or pink flowers.
Want to know more? Here are some interesting facts:
Inedible; used for ornamentals and aromatic oils. Salvia coccinea, also known as scarlet sage or Texas sage, is a popular ornamental plant for its prolonged flowering and vivid colours. Native to Mexico and naturalised in different parts of America, it is a versatile plant that adapts to various climates. Main features Short-lived herbaceous perennial in warmer areas, it is often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates. It has an upright, bushy appearance, ranging in height from 40 to 60 cm, but can reach up to 1.5 metres in ideal conditions. Flowers: The flowers, generally a deep scarlet red (hence the name coccinea, meaning 'dyed scarlet'), are tubular and bilabiate. They sprout from June to October on slender stems emerging from the foliage. There are also cultivars with flowers in other colours, such as pink ('Summer Jewel Pink') and white ('Summer Jewel White'). Foliage: The leaves are green, heart-shaped (cordiform) and often covered with a light down. The whole plant is fragrant. Pollinator attraction: It is highly valued for its ability to attract birds (hummingbirds) and pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. Cultivation and care Salvia coccinea is an easy plant to cultivate and does not require complex care, provided that certain basic conditions are met: Exposure: It prefers full sun, which encourages more abundant flowering, but it also tolerates half-shade. Soil: Requires light and above all well-drained soil. It suffers from waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Watering: Once established, it needs little water and tolerates short periods of drought. It is essential not to overdo watering, especially when grown in pots. Propagation: It is easily propagated by seed or cuttings. Pruning: It can be pruned to remove dry parts and withered branches, promoting more luxuriant growth. Cold tolerance: In areas with cold winters, it does not tolerate frost and is grown as an annual plant. In areas with a milder climate (hardiness zone 10 or higher), it can act as a perennial. Caution: If cultivated in areas with optimal conditions, it can become rather aggressive and invasive due to abundant wild dissemination. Harvest time: In Sicily, the best time to harvest sage is from May to August, before the beginning of flowering, when its aroma is most intense. It is also possible to harvest the leaves throughout the year as required, but the peak of quality is reached during this period. Harvesting for drying can also be done in October, while for distillation it is advisable to harvest at the height of flowering. Harvesting details May-August: This is the optimal period for harvesting the leaves, before the plant starts to flower, in order to achieve maximum aromatic intensity. Harvesting for drying: In addition to the spring period, a second ideal time for harvesting is October . Harvesting for distillation: If sage is to be used for distillation, the best time is at the height of flowering. Harvesting as needed: The leaves can be harvested as needed during the year for culinary use. How to harvest: It is important not to cut the woody parts of the plant, but only the green parts, to encourage the regrowth of new shoots. Additional tips Sowing: You can propagate sage by means of cuttings. Choose a semi-woody sprig, remove the lower leaves and bury it in moist soil. Storage: To store sage, you can dry it by hanging the stems upside down in a dry and ventilated place, or you can freeze the washed and dried leaves in special bags. Flowers: The flowers can also be consumed, once they have opened. Use the flowers just before using them, as they are difficult to store.
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