The familiar annual Salvia availalble at every garden center. The most common red Salvia used for bedding (massed plantings of annuals). Many cultivars are available at any garden center and in seed catalogs. The wild form is much larger and more splendid than the dwarf forms cultivated for the annual trade. Plant taller varieties such as 'Van Houttei' for better hummingbird attracting results. Perennial but killed by frost, so it's treated as an annual here.

Zone 10, Semi-shade, Mesic, 1-2', spring/summer/fall, native to Brazil.

Chapel Hill, NC 6/19/05