Perennial herb to 1 m tall but generally grown in a much smaller form and as an annual. Leaves ovate, to 6 cm long, 4.5 cm wide, margin shallowly dissected, stalk to 3 cm long. Flowers 2-6 together in terminal spike-like clusters. Calyx 8-veined, of similar colour to the corolla. Corolla variable in colour and size but mostly scarlet and to 3.5 cm long; summer to autumn.

Brazil

Available as a vast range of named bedding cultivars, sometimes early flowering, long-lasting, or with a dwarf, compact habit or with flowers of unusual size, but mostly with variable flower colours ranging from white to pink, purple and dark red, sometimes bicoloured or striped white and red.

Source: Garnett, L.; Ellis, G.; Spencer, R.; Templeton, S. (2002). Salvia. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.