Red Salvia

 Salvia splendens or tropical sage

Red salvia (Salvia splendens) does not look like a common sage at the first glance. Yet, look closer and you will see that it has all the characteristics of the Mint family (Lamiaceae): square stem, opposite leaves and sage type flowers, albeit quite big compared to wild sages. This beauty is originally from Brazil and can be found in garden sections of the big stores. It grows wild in the mountains where the climate is warm and humid all year round. I have never seen it wild and from the looks of it, it does seem to belong in flower beds rather than mountainous meadowes. But who knows? It might be tougher than it looks.

Red salvia

 Red salvia view from the top

 Red salvia flower

 Like other plants of the Mint family, the "flower" on the above picture is actually a cluster of flowers. Here's a picture where individual flowers making up a cluster can be seen better:

Scarlet sage in pots

In spite of the name, this salvia comes in variety of colours.

No doubt it would make a very nice garden plant, it not only looks splendid but also has a pleasant aroma that is peculiar to sages.