This plant is similar to Salvia 'Phyllis' Fancy' but lower growing (ht 1-1.3m) and spreading quite wide, with lavender-mauve flowers held in dark-tinged calyces. It is thought that it may be a cross between Salvia leucantha and Salvia chiapensis. It is a favourite with many gardeners, as it flowers almost all year round. It mixes well with any other flowers - Pentas, roses, heliotrope and dahlias for example. Dark leaves nearby accentuate its dark calyces - such as Alternanthera dentata, Persicaria 'Red Dragon' or dark forms of Iresine, coleus and Canna. It also looks effective with ornamental grasses, such as Miscanthus cultivars. Periodic removal of a stem will keep it in good shape, or it can be hard-pruned in late winter when all the other salvias are done. Some gardeners cut it back in mid-summer for lots of autumn and winter blooms. It is best in full sun but will tolerate a little shade, especially in hotter areas.