Salvia miniata

071-192D4 Salvia miniata
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	According to Betsy Clebsch in her book on Salvias, the word "miniata" refers to the red vermillian coloring used in making illuminated manuscripts. That is the color of the flowers of this bright salvia which comes from Belize and the Mexican province of Chiapas. Even though Salvia miniata grows at altitudes of 2,000 feet, it is not reliably winter hardy for us in our Zone 8 garden and we do protect it in the winter. Hummingbirds in particular are drawn to the almost foot-long whorls of bright flowers. The medium green foliage is glossy and is aromatic when brushed. This salvia needs regular water through the growing season. Midsummer to autumn. 3 ft. x 3 ft. Red flowers *Part Shade Zones 9, 10*