What kind of herbaceous plant is scarlet sage? A look at its characteristics

Other names of scarlet sage

Scarlet sage is a herbaceous plant of the pile-driving timber type, with other names such as "firecracker red", "ivory red" and "Western red". The place of origin of scarlet sage is Brazil in South America, and it is now also widely planted in courtyards across most regions of China.

Morphological characteristics of scarlet sage

The plant of scarlet sage can reach up to 90 cm in height, and its stem is a hairless, bluntly four-angled shape with shallow grooves.

The leaves of scarlet sage are (triangular) ovate and about 2.5-7 cm long and about 2-4.5 cm wide.

The corolla of scarlet sage is red and tubular, and the slender verticillaster inflorescence generally bears 2-6 flowers; the flowers are also red, bright and numerous.

Growth habits of scarlet sage

Scarlet sage likes plenty of sunlight for its growth.

The most suitable growing soil for scarlet sage should be loose, well-drained and fertile, and alkaline soil is rather unfavorable for its growth.

Scarlet sage has poor cold resistance, so it is best to maintain a growing temperature of 20-25°C; below 15°C the plant stops growing, and below 10°C the leaves turn yellow and drop.

Value and uses of scarlet sage

Ornamental value: when scarlet sage blooms, it puts on dense sheets of vivid red, very festive, and especially suitable as a decoration for important festivals. It can also be kept as a potted plant at home to add a touch of "passionate" vitality.

Medicinal value: the whole plant of scarlet sage can be used as medicine after being harvested during its growing period, and it can be used either dried or fresh. It has good effects in clearing heat, reducing swelling, cooling the blood and removing sores, and applying mashed scarlet sage to a boil can bring its effects into play.

The flower language of scarlet sage

Scarlet sage of different colors represents different meanings: red symbolizes a "heart in love"; white symbolizes "abundant energy"; purple is a symbol of "wisdom".