Salvias that run cool tones are rarer than you'd think — this one opens with deep blue-purple spikes that hold their color through our heat without fading to pink or lavender. Pair it with silvers or pale yellows for contrast, or let it anchor a monochromatic planting scheme.

Plant in full sun and ordinary soil; salvias aren't thirsty once their roots take hold. Available through June, so you can set out flats early or fill gaps in late spring beds.