Scarlet King Salvia

Scarlet King is a red-flowering Salvia splendens selection for seasonal color in sunny beds and containers. Its upright flower spikes make a strong vertical accent among lower annuals and foliage plants. ## Flowers and placement The [NC State Extension profile for Salvia splendens](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/salvia-splendens/) describes a warm-season bedding plant with showy red-to-scarlet flowers, green leaves, and flowering across spring, summer, and fall. It lists cut-flower use and notes that flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The species profile gives a broad range of mature dimensions; plant spacing can vary with the selection and growing conditions. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in a well-drained loam with neutral soil reaction. NC State describes the species as an annual or herbaceous perennial, so gardeners commonly use it as a seasonal bedding plant where it is not hardy. ## Maintenance Remove spent spikes as the display fades and keep soil from staying waterlogged. A light trim can help tidy the plant between flushes of flowers.