Great as a gift 🌸
Scarlet Sage
Salvia coccinea · Lamiaceae
How it looks
Scarlet Sage is an herb with small serrated leaves in opposite pairs and vivid red to purple lip-shaped flowers that line the branch tips like a spike. The stems are square, and rubbing the leaves gives off a soft sage scent. It grows 12-31 in (30-80 cm) tall.
Scarlet Sage is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
Even with a safe plant, make a habit of picking up fallen leaves the same day. If your cat likes to dig in or eat potting soil, fertilizer ingredients can upset their stomach — covering the soil with pebbles works well. If it comes home as a cut stem, florists often treat it with preservatives, so place the vase where your cat can't drink the water.
Details
- Scientific name
- Salvia coccinea
- Common name
- Scarlet Sage
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Source
- ASPCA
