Quick answer: Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is native to 3 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Alex Abair, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Caliche type, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Feb-Oct |
| Height | Up to 30 in tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, nectar for bees, high deer resistance |
none noted (reseeds easily — growing note, not invasive designation)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Scarlet sage
Where is Scarlet sage native?
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is native to Florida, Oklahoma and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Scarlet sage bloom?
Scarlet sage blooms Feb-Oct. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Scarlet sage need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Caliche type, sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay soils. Mature height: Up to 30 in tall.
Is Scarlet sage good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, nectar for bees, high deer resistance.
Is Scarlet sage deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Scarlet sage is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Scarlet sage seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Salvia coccinea on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Scarlet sage.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Cutleaf coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata
- Threadleaf coreopsis Coreopsis verticillata
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Mealy blue sage Salvia farinacea
Also listed under
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