Salvia sprucei

This is a large, tender perennial from Ecuador, and is found at high elevations in the Andes. It is winter-flowering, and a large, heated greenhouse is necessary for growing it. It can grow up to 10ft. tall. In some winters, I have found it reluctant to flower, but perseverance is suggested. When it does flower, however, it is quite stunning. The long stems have large, deep-pink flowers, with a white mark on the lower lip. The calyces are bright green, as are the leaves. I have never known it to set seed here, so propagation is from cuttings. (Photo kindly supplied by Matt Summers.)