Salvia cardiophylla

Salvia cardiophylla is found in the Chaco province of Argentina, also in southern Brazil, and parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. In the UK, it has grown up to 4 ft. and has flowered well from July onwards. The leaves are heart-shaped, as indicated by the name, and the very attractive flowers are lilac/pale blue with white markings on the lower lip, which is much larger than the upper lip. This has set seeds, but I suspect that it will not be hardy here. So far, I am finding this Salvia to be delicately beautiful, and almost a gem. Photo by Rolando Uria.