Scarlet Sage 'Lighthouse Red'

For those seeking a bold, architectural statement in a summer bedding scheme, 'Lighthouse Red' is an excellent selection. This cultivar of Salvia splendens is much taller than the ubiquitous dwarf varieties, reaching heights of 60-70cm. It produces long, thick spikes of fiery, brilliant red flowers that stand high above the dark green, heart-shaped foliage. In the UK, it is treated as a half-hardy annual. It is particularly useful for adding height and a vertical element to the middle of a border or large container displays. It is a robust plant that can handle a bit of wind and rain better than the smaller types. While it thrives in full sun, it can also tolerate a little light shade. It is highly attractive to hummingbirds in its native range, and in the UK, it will be visited by long-tongued bees. It provides intense colour continuously from early summer until the first frosts.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.