SALVIA. Sage. Worldwide. This is a huge and diverse group of mint allies, grown both for ornament and for herbal qualities. Those listed below are undemanding perennials and shrubs with usually rough-textured, aromatic leaves. Some form broad rosettes of basal leaves; others have branched, leafy stems. Usually the leaves are paired along the stems. Irregular 2-lipped flowers are borne in dense heads, whorls or spikes above the foliage. They come in nearly every floral shade, including near-black. Culture and hardiness vary widely, though most prefer a sunny spot with well drained soil. Many, particularly natives of California and the Southwest, are drought tolerant.
confertiflora. One of the giants of the group, eventually 8' tall and 10' or more broad if not restrained by frequent pruning. The stems are stout and erect. Lining them are lance shaped, heavily textured leaves up to 8" long. The leaves have an unpleasant scent when bruised, unlike those of most salvias. In late summer and fall it carries many long clusters of furry, dark orange flowers above the foliage. Probably 20oF or less, though the tops are easily frost-burned.
discolor. A strange departure from the usual salvia theme. It is a somewhat sparse, though rather slowly growing shrub, probably 3-4' high in time, with white-hairy stems. The leaves are broadly oval, medium green above and white-hairy beneath. The truly odd feature is the loosely clustered flowers, each with nearly black tube and face, contrasting vividly with a woolly white calyx and blooming stem. Hardy to around 25oF.
guaranitica. This robust South American species has given us some of the best of the large garden salvias. It is a semi-shrubby perennial, with several stems from the base, branched above to create a full, lush globe or dome up to 6' tall. The leaves are narrowly heart shaped, up to 3" long, and conspicuously veined. Some selections begin blooming in mid spring, others in summer, both continuing until frost. 2" blossoms, ranging in color from true blue to violet, open in succession from long clusters. There are unnamed forms with medium to deep blue flowers. ‘Argentina Skies’ is a particularly bushy selection with bright green leaves and sky blue flowers. ‘Omaha Gold’ has large leaves irregularly margined in lighter green to greenish yellow (not gold) and large blue-violet flowers. Moderate to regular watering. Ultimately hardy to 20oF or less, though the tops are easily burned by frost.
uliginosa. A densely clumping perennial with many arching 4-6' stems, clothed with narrow, shiny green leaves. Branched clusters of beautiful blue flowers adorn the plant in late summer and fall. Moderate watering. Probably 15oF or less.