Salvia Splendens Red Hot Sally
Salvia splendens 'Red Hot Sally'
A compact, early-flowering scarlet sage that produces brilliant red flower spikes continuously throughout the growing season without the need for deadheading. This improved variety stays neat and bushy while delivering intense color that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Perfect for mass plantings, borders, and containers where consistent, vibrant color is desired from spring until frost.
Harvest
65-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
SAL-vee-ah SPLEN-denz
Zones
10–11
USDA hardiness
Height
1-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Salvia Splendens Red Hot Sally in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Salvia Splendens Red Hot Sally · Zones 10–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: SAL-vee-ah SPLEN-denz. Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Schizocarp has 4 lobes that separate into 4 single-seeded nutlets.
Color: Black. Type: Schizocarp. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Hotline Improved GroupRed, white and purple selections are available | 12 inches tall 'Lighthouse Red'Classic red bedding annual. 'Sangria'Compact plants with white calyces & red corollas. 'St. John's Fire' 'Van Houttei'Tender shrub with large red flowers. Vista™ GroupRed, white, pink, lavender & purple cultivars available | 12 inches tall | heat tolerant, Hotline Improved Group, 'Lighthouse Red', 'Sangria', 'St. John's Fire', 'Van Houttei', Vista™ Group
Storage & Preservation
Since Red Hot Sally is ornamental rather than edible, preservation focuses on extending cut flower life and seed collection. Fresh cut stems last longest when immediately placed in lukewarm water with floral preservative, then moved to a cool location away from direct sunlight.
For seed saving, allow select flower spikes to complete their cycle and turn brown in late fall. Cut entire seed heads when they rattle lightly, then hang them upside down in paper bags to catch falling seeds as they dry. Store collected seeds in labeled envelopes in a cool, dry location - they remain viable for 2-3 years. Remember this is a hybrid variety, so saved seeds won't produce plants identical to the parent plant.
History & Origin
Origin: Brazil
Advantages
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators
- +Wildlife value: Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigolds
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Petunias
Deter aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs with natural pest-repelling compounds
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while adding nitrogen to soil
Zinnia
Attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects while providing complementary colors
Celosia
Share similar growing conditions and bloom times, creating attractive color combinations
Alyssum
Attract beneficial wasps and hoverflies that control aphids and other pests
Cosmos
Attract beneficial insects and provide structural contrast without competing for nutrients
Catnip
Repel mosquitoes, ants, and aphids with strong aromatic compounds
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive plants
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby plants
Fennel
Produces allelopathic chemicals that inhibit germination and growth of most garden plants
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to common fungal diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soil, powdery mildew in humid conditions