Salvia dorrii

It is doubtful if we will ever be able to get this evergreen shrub from California to flower in the UK. A hot, sunny, dry spring is essential, as for S. clevelandii and S. pachyphylla. This is a very variable species in its native habitat, growing up to 3ft. The combination of colours of the corolla and calyx is beautiful. Silver-coloured leaves add to the beauty of this species, but I fear that our climate will not allow us to see this. Visit California in spring! Photo courtesy of Michael Charters.