Salvia Furman's Red

The brilliant blooms on this plant appear in waves beginning in early summer and continuing well into autumn. Single and somewhat papery in appearance, they also make superbly long-lived Everlastings when hung upside-down on their purple-black stems and dried. But you'll have to get them away from the hummingbirds first -- these nectar-producing native plants are an absolute favorite of butterflies and hummers!

Even out of bloom, Furman's Red Autumn Sage is handsome, with small (¾- to 1-inch) light green leaves on short, dense branches. This shrub reaches about 2 to 3 feet high and can range in width from 2 to 4 feet, growing very quickly and easily. Give it lots of sunshine and good drainage, and you're good to go. And if you live in a dry climate, it will be in absolute heaven!

Native to Texas and Mexico, Furman's Red Autumn Sage is a mainstay plant of the high desert. If drainage is an issue in your garden, consider planting it on banks or slopes, so that it can take advantage of naturally drier conditions. It looks terrific in rock gardens, in containers around the swimming pool, and in the sunny border. Mediterranean gardens are its metier, but you'll find it attractive in just about any setting.

Deadhead this shrub for faster rebloom, and pamper it the first year to get it established in the garden. Once it has found its feet, it is nearly maintenance-free. Enjoy this year-round treasure! Zones 5-9.