Salvia arenaria

This Salvia can be found in the state of Sao Paulo in Southern Brazil. Not much is known about it yet. I received seeds last year and a March sowing has produced an attractive plant, 3 ft. x 2 ft. Flowers appeared in late summer, and after the excitement generated by the large racemes, the flowers were disappointingly small, dull scarlet, fading to pink. The undersides of the leaves are a burgundy colour. The leaves have a tendency to curl, especially in direct sunshine. Its hardiness is unknown, but cuttings root easily, and seeds are forming. Photo by Jim Curry.