Salvia splendens Estella Red seeds - Scarlet Sage, Tropical Sage

Salvia splendens Estella Red is grown as an annual sage in our climate, also known as brilliant sage or splendid sage. This variety is part of the Estella series, known for its tall cultivars on a well-branched and early plant. It offers a long flowering period with dense spikes adorned with scarlet red flowers against a backdrop of dark green leaves. Standing at 60 cm tall, it fits well in perennial beds as well as adorning large pots. Plant in the sun, in moist, light, well-drained soil.

Salvia splendens is a herbaceous plant in the mint family, originating from the hot and humid regions of Brazil, between 2000 and 3000 m above sea level. Sometimes reaching 1.30 m in its native habitat, it forms an upright clump of stems 30 cm tall and 25 cm wide in our climates, within a single season. The Estella Red variety stands out for its greater height compared to usual cultivars, as it reaches 60 cm in height and 50 cm in width in one season. Its four-angled stems are branching and erect. Its leaves cling to the stems along their length, being ovate to lanceolate, toothed, dark green. The flower spikes rise above the foliage from July to October. The tubular flowers are scarlet red, providing a wonderful contrast with the foliage.

The brilliant sage Estella Red can be planted as a border or in a bed in the garden for a quick, scattered flowering among other plants with complementary colours. It blooms profusely, even when summer perennials are resting. Pair it with grey-leaved plants like wormwoods or flowering plants like blue delphiniums, ground cover roses, daylilies, for example, all capable of complementing its intensity. It also performs well in pots, to adorn terraces, balconies, and planters.