Salvia dombeyi

A tender perennial native to Bolivia and Peru, growing up to 6ft. in the UK, though it has been known to reach 20ft. in its natural habitat. Lax in habit, it needs support from other shrubs to prevent the flowering stems from collapsing due to the weight of the large flowers. The beautiful flowers are the largest of the Salvia genus, up to 5 inches in length. Flowering time is from August until the first frost. S. dombeyi does not seem to like prolonged periods of sunshine, and grows best in a partially shady spot. Propagation is from cuttings taken in summer. These must be over-wintered in a frost-free greenhouse. Indoors this Salvia is susceptible to red-spider mite.