FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Scarlet Sage

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

The bright red tubular flowers of scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) are loosely arranged in whorls around an upright square stem. The showy 1-inch flowers extend from the flower spike at 90-degree angles and attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. This easy-to-grow native has an exceptionally long flowering period. An annual to short-lived perennial, it vigorously self-seeds and the seeds can germinate throughout the year. Scarlet sage grows 1-3 feet tall in full sun in dry, sandy soil but is very adaptable. It is drought-tolerant and tolerates salty wind and some salt spray. Its pungent foliage makes it fairly deer resistant. Also called red salvia or tropical sage, this charming wildflower deserves a place in any butterfly garden. Scarlet sage continues to bloom even now near the entrance to Sopchoppy Depot Park.