Salvia pachyphylla

Another species from South-West California, this is unlikely to flower in the UK, as the climate is incompatible. The flowers are sublime, I have seen this salvia in flower in California, and oddly enough, in France. The flowers are quite small, but the colours are quite stunning, they need to be observed closely. Even without flowers, this is an attractive, compact plant with pale grey-green foliage. Needs warmth, sun, and a dry atmosphere to survive here in Spring. A challenge. (Photograph by kind permission of Michael Charters.)