Here, autumn sage, Salvia greggii, seldom survives the winter. Not because of cold issues but because winters tend to be pretty wet and IME, this is a plant that dotes on very dry and fast draining soil conditions. When it does survive - I've grown it in containers for a couple of seasons - it is pretty much evergreen so I'm guessing the "no sign of life" with yours is not a good sign :-)

Which is your favorite and why? I'm trying to pick just ONE red salvia greggii.

Thanks, Steve! I am sending e-mails to those of you who offered seed - how unexpectedly great you all are and I have recommended this forum to my buddies on the Butterfly gardening forum. Would love to try the S. regla and Lady in Red. Is anyone familiar with 'Yvonne's Salvia'? Sorry to be so late in responding but holiday times are hectic here. I have wintersown a lot with great success, and that will be my method. I may have seed of Yvonne's Salvia and may try to see if it will still germinate after 2 years storage. Forgot about that until now. The Salvia list is narrowd to: S. microphylla 'Red Velvet' S. greggii 'Cherry Queen' S. miniata (has been hardy to zone 6b in Oklahoma) (check out Bustani Plant Farm) S. darcyi (also hardy in OK) S. regla S. coccinea 'LIR' This should give me a nice variety of species/hybrids to check out how well they do for me in my growing conditions. I decided to forego the white salvia because I just planted a Buddleia White Profusion this fall and my friend in Tulsa says it will attract the moths as well as the butterflies. On another note, I am going to try S. verticillata 'Purple Rain' again. There is something that draws me to this Salvia because of the unique purple of the blooms and the foliage as well. I had it for a couple of years but it died on me as well as May Night (which I wasn't nearly as fond of). I have to learn to curb my addiction to watering. Thanks and I will e-mail Steve and Wantonomara. Susan

Sorry to hear your having a problem. I have Furman's in a morning sun afteroon shade situation here it burns out in full sun. My purples Raspberry,Pastel Purple, Diane and some of my own selections in 6 Hours of sun in Clay soils and 100 +degree heat (for about 4 Months and they grow fine) What is your water like?Soil Ph? Mine is 8.5. There is a S.greggii "Sierra Linda"(Pink)that is the only one surviving in Phoenix were other greggii's fail.Which purple forms have you tried?Some of the S.lycioides hybrids should do well for you (Pastel Purple) Sorry we have a few fungal problems here but nothing like your describing. Art