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Salvia can be used in cool color schemes (Salvia Cacaliifolia and Salvia Guaranitica “Blue Enigma”) and also in hot color schemes (Salvia Coccinea “Pseudococcinea”).

Salvia Cacaliifolia. Usually grown as an annual in cool climates, this upright and hairy, herbaceous perennial, bears spikes of deep blue flowers in early summer, held above mid-green foliage. It’s a distinctive sage with a brilliant flower colour, for bedding, summer infilling, or containers.

Salvia Guaranitica “Blue Enigma” is a subshrubby perennial that grows well as a summer annual for bedding displays in cool climates. Blue Enigma is admirated for its deep blue flowers, more fragrant that those of the species Salvia Guaranitica which tower above the mid-green foliage from the end of summer until late autumn.

Salvia Cacaliifolia and Blue Enigma Sage grow in light, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Choose a site in full sun to light dappled shade.

Salvia Coccinea “Pseudococcinea” is a plant for hot color schemes and it looks best in full sunlight. Is a bushy, short-lived perennial often as an annual in frost-prone climates, with toothed, dark green, hairy leaves and loose, slender spikes of soft cherry-red flowers from summer to autumn. Salvia Coccinea is an exotic-looking addition to a summer disply, and good in containers.

Salvia “Pseudococcinea” grows in light, moderately fertile well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Site it, as I’ve just said, in full sun.