Crimson Sage
Salvia henryi
Family: Lamiaceae
Perennial plant reaching to about 1.5’ tall and wide. This non-scented Salvia looks more like a mallow before it blooms. Red, tubular blooms April through September.
Full to part sun, moderate water with really good drainage, hardy to at least 10°F. Cut back as necessary.
Hummingbirds love the flowers. Like many Salvias, a moth larval host for several species of moths.
There are 1045 species of Salvia all over the world. The genus name, salvia, comes from the Latin word salvia, which is related to the Latin words salvus (safe, healthy, secure) and salvēre (to heal, to feel healthy). The name refers to the medicinal properties of some plants in the genus. The species, henryi, is named for Augustine Henry (1857-1930) an Irish physician and plant collector.
Found on rocky slopes and canyons from 4,500-7,000 ft. in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Texas, and south into northern Mexico.