Roman Red Salvia
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking heat-tolerant, pollinator-friendly color.
Pump up the drama with ‘Roman Red’s vibrant 6" spikes on hardy 28–34" bushes. Vivid red-scarlet blooms soar above contrasting wine-purple sepals. Offering outstanding landscape performance, ‘Roman Red’ loves heat, tolerates drought and flourishes in sun or partial shade. Entices a steady stream of butterflies and bees. This perennial shrub is suitable for containers and offers excellent drought tolerance and heat resistance, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden. Its striking red-scarlet flowers and wine-purple sepals provide beautiful seasonal interest.
$24.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1076
/ 2661
#1076 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Mature Height
2834
/ - IN
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting local pollinator populations
- Landscape designers seeking high-impact, vibrant focal points
- Busy homeowners needing drought-tolerant, low-effort plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited access to direct, all-day sunlight
- Cold-climate growers wanting permanent, year-after-year perennials
- Hands-off gardeners preferring plants that require zero pruning
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental watering required.
Pollinator Attraction
Bright scarlet spikes act as a magnet for local bees.
Heat Resistance
Maintains vibrant color even during the peak of summer heat.
Maintenance Ease
A hardy perennial that demands very little attention once established.
Visual Impact
Striking contrast between red blooms and purple sepals creates drama.
Versatility
Adapts well to both garden beds and decorative patio containers.
Key Specs
Mature Height
28 - 34 IN
Mature Spread
28 - 36 IN
Sow Method
Both
Growth Habit
Mound
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Features
- Vibrant 6" spikes of red-scarlet blooms
- Contrasting wine-purple sepals
- Outstanding landscape performance
- Loves heat
- Tolerates drought
- Flourishes in sun or partial shade
- Entices butterflies and bees
What customers say
Customers consistently express high satisfaction with Burpee's Roman Red Salvia, frequently highlighting its exceptional quality and remarkable ease of growth. Gardeners appreciate the plant's vibrant, long lasting red blooms that effortlessly enhance any landscape. Many note its resilience and ability to thrive, establishing quickly and requiring minimal fuss. The salvia's consistent performance and visual appeal make it a favored choice for attracting pollinators and adding continuous color throughout the growing season, delivering reliable beauty with little effort.
Know before you buy
Since these plants reach a mature spread of 28 to 36 inches, you should space them at least 30 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and healthy growth.
Roman Red Salvia is well-suited for containers. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage and is large enough to accommodate its 28 to 34-inch height.
While it thrives in full sun, it is versatile enough to flourish in partial shade as well. If you live in an area with extreme summer heat, a spot with some afternoon shade can actually help the plant maintain its vibrant color.
This variety is highly drought-tolerant once established. You will only need to water it during extended dry spells, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Yes, the vivid red-scarlet spikes are excellent at drawing in butterflies and bees, making it a great choice if you are looking to support local pollinators.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.