Scarlet sage

Salvia splendens Sellow ex Schult. (scarlet sage) is a subtropical species native of Brazil. It has been extensively grown in the gardens of the Alhambra and Generalife since the second half of the 20th century, above all to cover large flower beds such as those in the Lower Gardens of the Generalife (the Torres Balbás Rose Garden) or in the square in front of the Palace of Charles V. Because of the low winter temperatures in Granada, this species behaves like an annual plant, which means that its seeds must be collected at the beginning of autumn and then re-sown at the beginning of spring. Due to the fact that we also have very hot summers, it particularly enjoys slightly shady locations under the extended branches of our oldest trees, where it spreads out in a spectacular blanket of red flowers from August to October.