A shrub with origins in the high-elevation regions of Brazil in environments that are consistently warm and humid. This species is celebrated for its vibrant, dense flower spikes that bloom indefatigably in an array of colors beyond its typical scarlet - including purple, pink, blue, lavender, salmon, and white - earning it a spot as a favored ornamental plant. Cultivated primarily for its vivid blossoms, which are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, scarlet sage has spread beyond its native Brazil to become a staple in gardens worldwide, often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Salvia tea has been associated with improved emotional states and cognitive abilities, and the plant's antioxidant activity has been confirmed across multiple studies​.Photographed in Pereria, Colombia.