About Salvia fulgens Cav.
Salvia fulgens Cav. is a small subshrub that reaches 50–100 cm (20–39 in) tall and 40–90 cm (16–35 in) wide. Its 3 cm (1 in) long brilliant red flowers grow in loose whorls; this red color is reflected in both its common name and its synonym, Salvia cardinalis. The upper lip of the flower is covered in red hairs that glisten (the meaning of the specific epithet 'fulgens') in morning dew. After the flowers fall, a reddish-brown calyx remains on the plant for a long time. Most inflorescences are around 4 inches long, though occasional inflorescences grow to 12 inches long. The plant is heavily covered in heart-shaped, pale yellow-green leaves that measure roughly 1.5 inches long by 1 inch wide. This species was introduced to Western horticulture in the 19th century, and has been cultivated in Britain for many years. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
