Plant Pick for March: Salvia gesneraflora 'Tequila'

This salvia is my favorite red flowering variety.

S. gesneraflora originates from Mexico, and creates an exotic tropical look in my garden when in bloom.

It blooms from mid to late winter into summer in San Francisco when most shrubs are dormant. Hummingbirds are very attracted to its large red flowers.

S. gesneraflora forms a solid trunk within two years and grows like a weed requiring a fair amount of pruning to keep it from smothering its neighbors.

I have it planted amongst other shrubs and small trees where it remains in the back ground until it blooms, taking the center stage.