Salvia praeclara

This rarely offered salvia from Bolivia is described by our seed source (Seedhunt) as "S. coccinea on steroids". We were intrigued, so we grew it for the first time this year. It was one of the earliest salvias to flower and put on a continuous show until frost. We were also impressed by its full, tidy, upright habit and bright red flowers. Glossy green leaves and red flowers on sturdy, 18-inch stems. Hardiness unknown, but tender around here (Zone 8).