Salvia 'Roman Red'
Best low-maintenance bloomer for gardeners wanting to attract hummingbirds.
Salvia 'Roman Red' is an upright, shrubby salvia that offers a continuous display of brilliant lipstick red flowers, accented by contrasting maroon sepals. This low-maintenance plant is a long bloomer, making it ideal for containers and as a cut flower. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to its nectar. It thrives in full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. While it is a tender perennial in zones 9-10, it is often grown as an annual elsewhere. Pinching back encourages bushiness, and deadheading promotes more blooms throughout the summer and fall.
$10.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
866
/ 2688
#866 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Shipped As
3.52.639.5
/ Pot: " h x " w ( fl oz)
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-impact visual focal point
- Eco-conscious homeowners wanting to attract local pollinators
- Busy gardeners needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant options
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with heavy soil or limited sun exposure
- Minimalists preferring low-intervention, non-spreading plant varieties
- Homeowners in areas with high deer or rabbit populations
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A high-octane nectar source that reliably draws hummingbirds and butterflies.
Bloom Longevity
Provides a consistent, vibrant display from early summer through autumn.
Maintenance Effort
Simple deadheading and occasional pinching keep this shrub looking its best.
Container Versatility
Compact growth habit makes it an excellent candidate for patio pots.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer, saving you from constant garden protection measures.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in warm zones but requires annual treatment in cooler climates.
Key Specs
Shipped As
Pot: 3.5" h x 2.63" w (9.5 fl oz)
Mature Size
2.5-3' h x 2.5' w
Sun Exposure
Full sun
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Bloom Season
Summer to fall
Flower Color
Lipstick red with darker calyces
Perennial Hardiness Zones
9, 10
Final Spacing
1.5-2'
Features
- Low maintenance and long blooming
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
- Deer resistant
- Ideal for containers and cut flowers
- Brilliant red flowers with maroon sepals
- Encourages bushiness with pinching
- Easy to grow and trouble-free
- Great for Containers
- Great Cut Flower
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Bees
- Attracts Hummingbirds
What customers say
Customers consistently praise Salvia 'Roman Red' for its exceptional garden performance and vibrant, long lasting blooms. Gardeners frequently highlight its ease of establishment and robust growth, making it a reliable choice even for those with less experience. The striking red color and continuous flowering throughout the season are often mentioned, contributing significantly to its aesthetic appeal and overall value in the landscape. This salvia is celebrated for bringing consistent beauty and attracting pollinators effortlessly.
Know before you buy
This plant is a tender perennial hardy only in zones 9 and 10. If you live in a cooler climate, you should treat it as an annual or bring your containers indoors before the first frost.
At maturity, 'Roman Red' reaches about 2.5 to 3 feet in height and 2.5 feet in width. You should space individual plants 1.5 to 2 feet apart to ensure proper airflow and growth.
Pinching back the stems early in the season encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a bushier habit. Additionally, regular deadheading of spent blooms will promote continuous flowering throughout the summer and fall.
Yes, it is highly effective at attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Its nectar-rich, lipstick-red flowers make it a favorite for local pollinators.
Absolutely. Its upright, shrubby habit makes it an excellent choice for containers. Just ensure the pot has good drainage and that you provide it with rich, moist soil and plenty of sunlight.
It is considered a low-maintenance and trouble-free plant. Aside from providing full sun and consistent moisture, your main tasks will be occasional pinching and deadheading to keep it tidy and blooming.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.