[3] Its specific epithet, coccinea, means "scarlet-dyed" (Latin), referring to the color of its flowers.

[3] The naturalized variety is typically tubular, bright red, about 1.25 in (3.2 cm) long.

[6] Salvia coccinea is commonly grown as an annual species.

It is cultivated in urban green areas as well as in private gardens around the world.

It has a long flowering period, from the start of summer to the end of autumn.