Red and Reddish-purple Labiates
What are they?
These species are all members of the Lamiaceae, the Labiate family. Within this large family, there are a few species with red or reddish-purple flowers, typically in the genus Salvia.
Where are they found?
Plants in this group are mostly introduced species that are grown as ornamentals. As such, they are most likely to be found as escapes from cultivation in urban areas.
Identification
This is an artificial grouping of members of the Labiate family, based purely on flower colour. Plants on this page should be readily identifiable by differences in their leaves and growth style.
Scarlet Sage Salvia splendens
Introduced from South America and commonly grown for bedding displays in amenity areas. Not frost hardy so not persisting but odd plants may occasionally be found surviving for a time on rough ground. Flowers July to October or until the first frosts. Flowers typically brilliant red, but modern varieties include purple, pink or white forms.
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Annual Clary Salvia viridis
Introduced from southern Europe as a garden ornamental and occasional recorded where garden waste has been spilt or dumped. May also appear from so-called 'wildfower mixes'. Flowers June to September. A small species with simple leaves, easily recognised by the coloured, leafy bracts at the top of the flowering stem. The bracts may be bluish-purple, pinkish-purple or white and match the colour of the flowers.
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