Salvia Lady In Red RHS Seeds

Salvia coccinea 'Lady In Red', commonly known as Lady In Red Sage, is a striking perennial that brings bold, fiery red flowers and vibrant green foliage to the garden. This heat-loving plant is admired for its slender, tubular blooms which attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Ideal for mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a vibrant focal point in containers, Salvia Lady In Red adds both colour and movement to any garden setting.

 

The genus Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvare, meaning "to save," due to the plant’s historical medicinal uses. Coccinea refers to the plant's scarlet-red flowers. Lady In Red is a cultivar of Salvia coccinea known for its vivid red blooms that stand out beautifully against its soft green foliage. Its compact size and long-lasting flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants with high impact.

 

Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), Salvia Lady In Red is a reliable performer in UK gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, producing a continuous display of red flowers from summer into autumn. Whether planted in beds, borders, or pots, Lady In Red is sure to brighten any garden and provide months of captivating colour.

 

Growing to a height of 40 - 60 cm, Salvia Lady In Red is a medium-sized perennial that works well in mixed borders, herbaceous beds, and as part of a wildlife-friendly planting scheme. Its upright growth habit and long flowering season make it perfect for filling gaps in the garden or as an accent plant.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 75

 

Sow: February - April (indoors) or April - May (outdoors)

Germination: 10 - 21 days

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH

Height: 40 - 60 cm

Flowering: June - September

Companion Plants: Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Zinnia

Avoid Planting With: Moisture-loving plants

 

Salvia Lady In Red is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in warm, sunny spots and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms, while cutting back the plant in autumn will keep the garden tidy and promote strong growth in spring.

 

Sowing Instructions

Indoors: Sow seeds in trays or pots filled with moist, well-drained compost from February to April. Lightly press the seeds into the surface without covering them, as they require light to germinate. Maintain a temperature of 18-20°C and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Transplant seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, and harden off before planting outdoors after the last frost.

 

Outdoors: Sow directly into prepared, well-drained soil from April to May, once the risk of frost has passed. Scatter the seeds thinly on the soil surface and gently press them down. Keep moist until germination occurs. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart to ensure healthy growth and good airflow.

 

With its vibrant red flowers, long flowering period, and pollinator-friendly nature, Salvia Lady In Red is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of bold colour to the garden. Whether in borders, containers, or wildlife plantings, it will provide months of stunning visual interest and attract beneficial insects to the garden.

 

RHS Seed Scheme Range