Chinese Red-Rooted Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a unique perennial Salvia known for its tall purple flower spikes and finely textured foliage. Its long bloom season brings continuous color to garden borders while supporting bees and other pollinators. This hardy species thrives in sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent addition to wildflower gardens, perennial beds, and pollinator landscapes. Its upright form and violet blossoms add movement, texture, and ecological value to ornamental plantings.
Features
- Violet-purple spikes attract bees and beneficial pollinators.
- Tall, upright habit adds vertical accent to garden beds.
- Hardy perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
- Ideal for borders, pollinator habitats, and wildflower gardens.
- Finely textured foliage adds visual contrast in mixed plantings.
- Non-GMO Salvia miltiorrhiza seed variety.
Specifications
- Common Name: Chinese Red-Rooted Sage
- Scientific Name: Salvia miltiorrhiza
- Plant Type: Perennial flowering herb
- USDA Zones: 5–9
- Bloom Color: Purple to violet flower spikes
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: 12–24 inches
- Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
- Foliage: Finely cut green leaves
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, average to sandy soil
- Water Needs: Moderate; avoid soggy soil
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (supports bees & butterflies)
- Deer Resistance: Moderate
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
- Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
- Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow in spring or fall.
- Cold stratify 2–4 weeks for improved germination (refrigerate in moist medium).
- Press seeds gently onto the soil surface or cover lightly (1/16–1/8 inch).
- Keep evenly moist until germination (14–28 days).
- Provide full sun for best flowering and plant form.
- Transplant outdoors after frost into well-drained soil.
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering.
- Remove spent blooms to extend flowering throughout summer.
- Leave some seed heads if natural reseeding is desired.