Salvia is a genus in the Lamiaceae family with many species found around the world. Most are perennials or sometimes annuals or biennials. There are a few species that are rhizomatous or have tubers.
Salvia patens from Mexico has bright, deep blue flowers. This species grows from a tuber and makes a nice plant in the garden in zones that do not get too cold if it gets summer water and good soil. In my dry Northern California garden with poor soil and very little summer water, it did not thrive, but I continue to grow one in a large pot where I can control the water and soil. It is deciduous in the winter, generally coming into growth again in the spring with flowering starting a month or so later. Photos from Mary Sue Ittner.
