My one oxyphora did ok this year (my first year growing it). This photo was taken in mid October when it was blooming the best. It liked the cool late-season weather. It bloomed ok during summer, but intense heat caused young buds to die. Growth-wise, the plant grew more slowly and remained smaller than I expected. If I was going to keep it in that same spot, I'd plant two of them together to fill in the space better. However, I think that spot is too hot so the current plan for next year is to plant one oxyphora in a sunny, but less hot, spot about ten feet off the left edge of the photo and a second oxyphora in a shadier spot on the other side of the yard that gets only morning sun. It will be interesting to see which plant performs better. The two new locations are also easily viewable from the house so I'll finally be able to see if hummers here like oxyphora. The cuttings I took in late September and early October all rooted quickly. I have three of them growing in 4" pots inside. They grow like weeds, especially under the shoplight(two of them are now in the cool window to keep their growth in check). I've already had to cut a couple of them back. This post was edited by hawkeye_wx on Sat, Nov 9, 13 at 0:00

I do not find Salvia penstemonoides hard to grow at all but I live where it is a native. It likes the soil some what Moist (in Central Texas terms, so this is relative) but I grow mine somewhat dry since I live high on a hill and have not a lot of water. I hear their natural habit is in moist bottom land. They will want some alkalinity and good drainage. I do find them drought tolerant. I grow them in part shade here in Texas, but again, our summer sun is brutal. This requirement might be different where you are. I think that it would benefit from some more soil richness than I can provide but it is a happy camper. It does take a while to bulk up here. It germinates very easily once it is warm. I have germinated it in the warm autumn and spring. the seedlings survived out doors in the winter (A cold Z 8)

Did anyone follow up with a photo of this? I didn't read this thread or all of the others in detail... I saw this at Strybing yesterday, took a picture, and just now went looking for info. This is near the main entrance and the plant shop. Sorry the picture's not the best, but I think you get the point.

Well...Salvia spathacea survived the winter, although it's emerging only slowly. Surprisingly, some of my Salvia farinacea 'Victoria' survived, as well. I suspect Salvia semiatrata may be history, and that the Salvia guaraniticas may be gone as well. Same with Salvia elegans and Salvia leucantha. I'm not going to write them off as dead just yet, because I know better. I don't know about Salvia reptans yet, either. Salvia pachyphylla, Salvia x jamensis, Salvia hians, Salvia verticillata, Salvia greggii (assorted), Salvia microphylla, Salvia chamaedryoides and Salvia dorrii are all doing fine.