The Salvia 'Ember’s Wish' is a captivating, hybrid variety known for its vibrant color and easy-growing nature. Native to South America, this drought-tolerant plant stands out due to its long-lasting blooms and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, which is particularly suited for warm climates. The common name remains consistent with its botanical name, emphasizing its fiery blooms with a descriptive “Ember's Wish.”. The plant has semi-woody stems with slightly glossy, mid-green leaves that contrast beautifully against its fiery blossoms.  

This fast-growing Salvia 'Ember’s Wish' typically reaches a mature height of 4 feet and spreads 3 feet wide. Its upright growth habit makes it an ideal backdrop plant in flower beds or as a standalone specimen in smaller gardens.

Its size and structure also make it suitable for container gardening, where its cascading blooms can be fully appreciated.

The flowers of 'Ember’s Wish' are tubular in shape and arranged in loose, spire-like clusters along the upper parts of the stems and emerge from papery, dusty rose bracts.

Their vivid coral-red hue with orange undertones draws attention from a distance, creating a focal point in any landscape.  It is prized for its extended blooming season, which can last from late spring through to the first frost in temperate climates. It is also drought-tolerant once established and performs well in a variety of soil types, adding to its versatile nature. These blooms are not only beautiful but also long-lasting, providing continuous color throughout the growing season. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms, extending the plant's ornamental display.

The 'Ember’s Wish' plant is highly attractive to pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, which are drawn to its tubular flowers. Bees and butterflies are also frequent visitors, making this plant an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. Its long bloom time ensures that it provides a valuable nectar source for these creatures for many months of the year. 

Butterflies

Bees

Hummingbirds

Lady Bugs

Multi Pollinators

Other Birds

When it comes to care, the Salvia 'Ember’s Wish' is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced. It prefers well-draining soil for healthy growth. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially once the plant is established, as it has some drought tolerance.

Hardiness Zones & More

When growing indoors, it performs well in bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day with average room temperatures around 65–75°F.

For outdoor cultivation, it is hardy in USDA zones 9–11, where it can be grown as a perennial. In cooler climates, it is often treated as an annual or brought indoors during winter. 

The Salvia 'Ember’s Wish’ can be propagated through softwood cuttings rather than seed, as it is a hybrid cultivar. Take 4 to 6-inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems during the growing season, and place them in well-draining, moist soil. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight, and they should root in a few weeks. While less common, division can also be an option in mature plants. 

Toxicity: The Salvia 'Ember’s Wish' is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs, and birds, making it a safe choice for pet-friendly households. This feature, combined with its vibrant appeal and pollinator-attracting qualities, makes it an ideal option for family gardens, where both people and wildlife can enjoy its presence without concern.

The Salvia 'Ember’s Wish’ can be propagated through softwood cuttings rather than seed, as it is a hybrid cultivar. Take 4 to 6-inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems during the growing season, and place them in well-draining, moist soil. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight, and they should root in a few weeks. While less common, division can also be an option in mature plants.  

Overall, Salvia 'Ember’s Wish' is a stunning addition to any garden with its vibrant red flowers and compact growth habit. Its long blooming period and attractiveness to pollinators make it a must-have for any plant enthusiast looking to add color and interest to their landscape.