These plants grow nicely in an 18-inch patio pot. Salvias bring color to the garden now and especially through fall. They also give you plants for fresh and dried arrangements and wreaths. No mess or fuss, just plant and water when necessary,'' says Nona Koivula, executive director of the National Garden Bureau. The bureau, information central for 46 seed companies, has named '99 as the Year of the Salvia.
Colors range from red, scarlet, salmon, purple and lilac to deep and light blue, white and bicolors.
Salvias are found most everywhere in the world. Members of the mint family, they area easily recognized by their square stems and opposite pairs of leaves, which are usually velvety or hairy. One of the most familiar salvias is the perennial common garden sage - Salvia officinalis. Many salvias are tender perennials usually grown as annuals. Plant salvias outdoors when the air and soil are warm.