Big red sage
Salvia pentstemonoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Big red sage (Salvia pentstemonoides) is a perennial forb native to TX. It blooms in May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw hummingbirds and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Big red sage (Salvia pentstemonoides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
TX
Pollinators
hummingbirds, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
An upright, short-lived herbaceous perennial with soft green leaves and spikes of large, vivid red tubular flowers from late spring through summer. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and part shade, and may self-seed to persist in a bed.
Growing Big red sage
Grow Big red sage in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big red sage is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- short-lived perennial that may need division or reseeding to persist
Wildlife value
Large red tubular flowers are a strong hummingbird attractant and also draw bees.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big red sage need?
- Big red sage grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Big red sage bloom?
- Big red sage blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Big red sage native?
- Big red sage (Salvia pentstemonoides) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Big red sage attract?
- Big red sage draws hummingbirds and bees.
- Is Big red sage HOA-friendly?
- Big red sage is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Big red sage? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz