Salvia confertiflora
red velvet sage
Overview
Salvia confertiflora is a tender, upright perennial or subshrub in the mint family, reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide in a single season. The large, oval, deep green leaves are 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, roughly textured above and coated in rusty felt beneath, and aromatic when brushed. From late summer into autumn it sends up slender, unbranched flower spikes up to 12 inches (30 cm) long, densely lined with small orange-red flowers held in rust-red, velvety calyces. The calyces stay colored after the petals drop, holding the display longer. The square stems mark it as a sage. It is tender, damaged below about 25–30°F (−4 to −1°C), and grown as a container plant or lifted over winter in cold areas. It needs full sun, warmth, and a long season to flower well, and may not bloom before frost in short-summer climates.
Native Range
Salvia confertiflora is native to Brazil, where it grows in warm, open, subtropical habitats. It is adapted to a frost-free climate with a long, warm growing season.Suggested Uses
Salvia confertiflora is used in mixed borders, large containers, and subtropical-style plantings for its tall late-season spikes, spaced 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart. It combines with other tender salvias, grasses, and dahlias. Its height and frost-sensitivity make it less suited to small or cold, short-season gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late summer into autumn, roughly August to October, and continues until frost. The slender spikes carry small orange-red flowers in rust-red velvety calyces that open from the base upward. The colored calyces persist after the petals drop, extending the display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Orange-red with rust-red calycesFoliage Description
Deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Salvia confertiflora grows in full sun and moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It needs warmth and a long season to flower, and may not bloom before frost in short-summer climates. Steady moisture and feeding support the tall growth, while waterlogged soil rots the roots. It is tender, damaged below about 25–30°F (−4 to −1°C), so it is grown in containers or lifted and kept frost-free over winter in cold areas. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees. Cutting the plant back in spring removes frost-damaged stems and makes way for new growth.Pruning
Spent flower spikes can be cut back through the season to keep the plant flowering. In spring, frost-damaged or old stems can be cut back to live growth or near the base. Pinching young shoots early in the season produces a bushier, more branched plant.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons