Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage, especially in containers. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Also known as Chinese Sage · Chinese Salvia · Danshen
Salvia miltiorrhiza, or red sage, is a perennial herb known for its medicinal properties, particularly its crimson roots used in traditional Chinese medicine.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures; hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage, especially in containers. Reduce watering during winter dormancy.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead or damaged stems. Light pruning can encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it can stress the plant.
Propagate from seed sown in spring or by root cuttings taken in early spring. Seeds may require stratification. Division of established clumps in spring is also effective.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, in early spring. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Red Sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Salvia |
| Species | Salvia miltiorrhiza |
Similar in genus Salvia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
