Roman Red Salvia is a vibrant hybrid cultivar (Salvia splendens x darcyi) that brings theatrical color to summer and fall gardens across zones 9 and warmer. This frost-tender perennial grows 30 to 36 inches tall with a compact 30-inch spread, producing stunning red blooms from June through November. The plant thrives in full sun with moderate water and deer-resistant foliage, while attracting pollinators throughout its extended growing season.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
9-9
36in H x 30in W
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Moderate
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Roman Red Salvia ignites the garden with deep crimson spikes that rise above the canopy, flowering continuously from early summer into late fall. Its hybrid vigor comes from crossing two salvia species, creating a plant that handles summer heat beautifully while maintaining color depth even as temperatures cool. Deer pass it by entirely, and butterflies and hummingbirds visit constantly, making it both a visual and ecological anchor in mixed borders.
Roman Red Salvia serves as an ornamental flower plant, valued for its dramatic red spikes in summer and fall garden displays. It functions as a pollinator attractor in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and containers, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies to the landscape throughout its long bloom window.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit about 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and seedling growth.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Move to the garden after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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“This cultivar represents the deliberate crossing of Salvia splendens and Salvia darcyi, two parent species selected for their complementary traits. The resulting hybrid combines the vigor and continuous bloom of splendens with characteristics from darcyi, reflecting the botanical tradition of creating improved ornamental salvias through strategic breeding.”