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Salvia Annual

Salvia splendens

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verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Salvia splendens is a vibrant tender annual prized for its intense scarlet (and cultivar colors of pink, purple, or white) flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout summer and fall. Plants grow 12–24 inches tall with erect growth habits ideal for beds, borders, and containers. This heat-loving plant thrives in full sun and flowers continuously until the first frost.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Salvia Annual is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Powdery Mildewchevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun (6+ hours daily); flower intensity decreases in shade

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Water

Moderate; keep soil consistently moist during growing season; reduce in winter dormancy

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Soil

Well-draining, fertile soil; prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0)

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Fertiliser

Feed every 2–4 weeks with balanced or flower-promoting fertilizer

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Temperature

Warm; 70–85°F ideal; frost-tender annual

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Humidity

Moderate; average garden humidity is sufficient

Toxicity

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Non-toxic; safe for all pets and children; flowers are edible

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do hummingbirds love my Salvia Annual?

Its intense scarlet (or pink, purple, and white in some cultivars) flower spikes are specifically shaped to attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout summer and fall.

How long does Salvia Annual keep flowering?

It flowers continuously until the first frost, thanks to its heat-loving nature and erect growth habit that suits beds, borders, and containers all season long.