Perhaps you were inspired by Bart O'Brien's talk at our meeting last week fresh from the Salvia Summit at the Huntington or perhaps you bought one of the many provided by John Schoustra and Matt-Dell Tufenkian, but share your favorite salvias with us and with those that weren't able to be there.

I cannot think of a Salvia that I don't like, but my current favorite in my own garden is Salvia 'Waverly' which grows quite heartily in my part shade coastal garden. It has bright green "quilted" leaves with white & lavender blooms. It has at least a few flower spikes all year long, with an abundance in spring, summer & fall.  Although it has no scent that I can discern, the local hummingbirds visit it frequently for nectar.  If it gets leggy, I simply cut it back hard and it starts all over again!  Pests and diseases have not been a problem.  What's not to like?

I like Salvia 'Black & Blue' which has been reliable in my garden for many years. The large, dark navy blue blooms with almost black calyxes really "pop". I love the color of Salvia 'Limelight' too, but have tried several times to keep it alive. Maybe it's short-lived? Or, maybe it doesn't like my climate - Studio City in the hills.