A red-flowered, hirsute, perennial salvia that grows from 1 to 2 feet tall, with rounded, scalloped leaves, Salvia roemeriana is adapted to grow in the shade and leaf mulch of Juniperus species, especially Juniperus ashei (Ashe Juniper). The leaves usually are 1 to 2 inches wide, and flowers are 1 to 1.5 inches long on 2 to 3-inch racemes, appearing from spring through summer.

One of several plants that have evolved to grow in the shade and leaf mulch of junipers, Salvia roemeriana makes a good plant for the well-drained shade garden. Its scalloped, rounded leaves and crimson blooms are as eye-catching in pots as they are against the limestone outcrops of its native habitat.