I have purchased this plant at local garden centers on a number of different years. thinking it would catch the eye of some hummingbirds. after last year's experience, figured I would give it up. they just never seemed to do very well---for one reason or another.
this year I planted a number of different wave petunias in the same spot I have planted salvia. which, btw, have just gone crazy! very impressed.
I was out one day pulling weeds and noticed a volunteer salvia growing amongst the petunias. had to be a volunteer from last year. anyway, was thinking about yanking it, then decided to let it grow and see how it does.
now THAT's the red salvia I was hoping for! the blooms are very impressive!
I am wondering if I would be better off looking for seed and dropping seed in an area where I might want to grow salvia---instead of taking them from flats and planting them? I'd have red salvia quite often if they came like this plant is!
anyway, just thot I would share my experience with the annual salvia.
happy gardening!