Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ — Vivid Orange-Red, New for 2026

Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ is the most distinctive variety in the Tropicolor series — warm orange-red flowers that are genuinely unusual in the salvia world. The microphylla and greggii group has traditionally run to pinks, reds and whites, with relatively few varieties offering warm orange tones. ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ changes that, producing vivid orange-red flowers that open up planting combinations that were previously difficult to achieve with salvias alone.

At Middleton Nurseries, ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ has consistently been the most talked-about variety when gardeners see it for the first time. Photographs don’t fully capture the warmth and richness of the colour in full sun — it’s a plant that rewards seeing in person.

The habit is the same bushy, compact form typical of the microphylla group — around 60–70cm in height and spread — and the flowering season runs from May to the first frosts with regular deadheading. Semi-hardy, like all microphylla varieties.

Companion Planting for Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’

The warm orange-red tone of ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ opens up combinations that cool pink salvias cannot achieve. It works particularly well alongside bronze phormiums, copper-toned sedges, warm-coloured ornamental grasses and late-season perennials like orange heleniums and rudbeckias. For a bold high-contrast scheme, combine with deep blue salvia guaranitica varieties. See our companion planting guide for specific combinations.

Growing Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’

Full sun, free-draining soil, high-potash feeding from May to September, cut back in spring, deadhead every two to three weeks. Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4) — overwinter with a generous October mulch in sheltered gardens, or take August cuttings in colder areas. See our cuttings guide and overwintering guide.

Browse the full Tropicolor series and all salvias at Middleton Nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour are Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ flowers?

Warm orange-red — a tone that is genuinely unusual in the salvia world. The colour is particularly vivid in full sun and holds well through the season. It sits between a bright orange and a warm red, with the quality of richness that the Tropicolor series name was chosen to reflect.

Is Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’ hardy?

Semi-hardy (RHS H3–H4), the same as other Salvia microphylla varieties. It will overwinter in sheltered southern gardens with a generous October mulch. In colder or more exposed gardens, take semi-ripe cuttings in August.

Where can I buy Salvia ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’?

Available from Middleton Nurseries alongside the other Tropicolor varieties — Carmine and Claret. All grown at our Staffordshire nursery using peat-free compost and dispatched nationwide. Browse our full range.

What grows well with ‘Tropicolor Sunrise’?

Bronze phormiums, copper sedges, warm-toned grasses like Pennisetum ‘Hameln’, orange heleniums, rudbeckias, and deep blue guaranitica salvias for high contrast. The warm orange-red tone is versatile for both harmonious warm-toned schemes and bold colour contrasts.