Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
8 - 10These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Salvia fulgens is a semi-woody, shrubby perennial in the Lamiaceae family, growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide with an upright, branching habit. Stems are square in cross-section (typical of the mint family), softly hairy, woody at the base and herbaceous above. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with a velvety texture, bright green above and paler beneath, with a scalloped margin and a faint sage-like scent when crushed. Flowers are tubular, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long, bright scarlet-red with a hooded upper lip and a projecting lower lip, borne in whorled racemes of 4–8 flowers at the stem tips. The vivid red colour and tubular shape are adapted for hummingbird pollination — the flower tube length matches the bill length of rufous and Anna's hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest. Bloom is prolific from midsummer through the first frost. Native to montane pine-oak forests of central Mexico at elevations of 6,500–10,000 feet (2,000–3,000 m). Root-hardy to approximately 20°F (-7°C) if the crown is well-mulched and soil drains freely. Top growth is killed by frost but the rootstock resprouts in spring in USDA zones 8–9. In colder zones, treat as an annual or overwinter in a frost-free greenhouse. Susceptible to whitefly and spider mites under glass, and to root rot in waterlogged winter soil.
Native Range
Salvia fulgens is native to the mountains of central Mexico, in the states of Michoacán, México, Jalisco, and Guerrero, where it grows in pine-oak forests and forest clearings at elevations of 6,500–10,000 feet (2,000–3,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in warm, sheltered borders and against south-facing walls, spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. The hummingbird-attracting flowers suit wildlife gardens. Effective in large containers (minimum 5 gallons / 19 L) on warm patios, moved under cover before frost. Combines with other late-summer perennials such as Agastache, Penstemon, and ornamental grasses.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open from July through the first frost (October–November in the Pacific Northwest). Whorled racemes open progressively from the base upward, with new racemes forming continuously on branch tips. Bloom period is 12–16 weeks under favourable conditions. Pollinated primarily by hummingbirds; also visited by large bees and hawk moths.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright green, velvetyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. In USDA zone 8, plant against a warm south-facing wall and mulch the crown with 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of bark or straw before the first frost. Water regularly during the growing season — 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week — but reduce in autumn as growth slows. Ensure sharp winter drainage to prevent crown rot. Feed monthly from May through August with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Pinch stem tips in late May to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. In zones 7 and colder, grow as an annual or overwinter potted plants in a cool greenhouse at 40–50°F (5–10°C).Pruning
In mild climates (zone 8–9), cut back frost-damaged top growth to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) above the crown in early spring after new shoots appear at the base. Do not cut back in autumn — the dead top growth insulates the crown. Pinch growing tips in late spring to promote branching. Remove spent flower racemes to encourage continued bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons