Salvia gesneriiflora

A giant amongst salvias, this can grow to 25ft. tall in the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. I have to hack it back when it reaches the roof of my 12ft. greenhouse. The plant is frost-tolerant, but it must be grown indoors in winter to prevent the buds and flowers from freezing. The large flowers are plentiful, and 2 inches long, a brilliant shade of scarlet. There are variations..one cultivar has flowers that fade to pink. 'Tequila' is an excellent form with near-black calyces. Although it takes up a lot of space, it is doubtless one of the best and easiest winter-flowering species. The word "spectacular" springs to mind. Easily renewed every year from cuttings, this salvia will require a large pot, and frequent watering when in flower.