This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun to lightly dappled shade
• Soil: humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  A superb new salvia, which was discovered growing in an Australian garden in 2005. Believed to be a cross between Salvia buchananii and Salvia chiapensis ‘Purple Majesty’, it is a bushy perennial that produces an abundance of magenta pink flowers over several months from midsummer. These dazzling flowers have a citrus scent and are held on reddish stems, so the overall effect is very colourful. Drought tolerant once established, it will be happiest in a warm, sheltered position with freely draining soil.
  
  
• Garden care: To prolong flowering remove the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring.