Salvia Tropicolour Carmine ('Troprd24') (PBR) (Tropicolour Series)
sage
If you’re looking to inject bold, late-season colour without taking over the border, this compact salvia is a brilliant place to start. Salvia 'Tropicolour Carmine' forms a neat, clumpy shape with dark green, lightly aromatic leaves, often flushed with deeper tones beneath, giving it interest even before it flowers. From summer into autumn, upright stems carry vivid orange-red blooms, each set against a darker bronze calyx that keeps the display looking rich and colourful even as the flowers fade.
It’s a great fit for sunny borders, mixed planting or patio pots, where its manageable size and long flowering season make it easy to slot in without overwhelming its neighbours. Happy in well-drained soil and tolerant of drier conditions once established, it’s a low-fuss option, once established, that still brings plenty of long season impact and pollinator activity.
It’s a great fit for sunny borders, mixed planting or patio pots, where its manageable size and long flowering season make it easy to slot in without overwhelming its neighbours. Happy in well-drained soil and tolerant of drier conditions once established, it’s a low-fuss option, once established, that still brings plenty of long season impact and pollinator activity.
How to care for Salvia Tropicolour Carmine ('Troprd24') (Tropicolour Series):
When planting, incorporate compost to improve drainage and fertility, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and watering thoroughly.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
To keep the plant blooming throughout the season, promptly remove flower spikes as soon as they begin to fade - this deadheading encourages the plant to produce more flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.
In early spring, apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients as it breaks down. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly, but keep it away from the stems to prevent rot. A supplementary granular fertiliser (such as the mineral based Growmore) is advised in the early part of the season, once the plant begins to sprout.
Regular watering, particularly in dry spells, will help maintain healthy growth, but be careful not to waterlog the soil, as this salvia prefers well-drained conditions.
Finally, consider providing some protection in exposed or colder regions of the UK by covering with a double layer of horticultural fleece or dry mulch (bark chippings/ composted pine needles) to insulate the roots, or by using a cloche to protect the plant against hard frosts.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.7m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
