Susan, before you buy Salvia, check with me and I might have what you're looking for, no cost!

Sandy, at first I was just looking for the "best reds" that were either perennial or self-sowing annuals, and I received many suggestions. I've also decided I want to acquire a couple of whites for the moths as well. Then I decided to see if any Salvias are native to Oklahoma. There are only a couple or three, which makes me wonder if we don't actually have more. Texas has a lot and it would seem that it is likely Oklahoma would have more than I am finding so far. California is the leader with many, many native salvias.

There is a grower/hybridizer in Texas that has lots of Salvia available, and some species he has found in South Texas and Mexico, and Yucca Do Nursery has discovered and produced a few, too.

I am considerng the greggii and coccinus species and hybrids and S. regla, too. unless I can find some reds and whites that are native to Oklahoma.

On an added note, this nursery is in Washington, so those butterfliers West of the Rockies may be very interested in this nursery cuz most of our butterfly nurseries that we speak of here on the forum are East of the Rockies. They do ship cross country and I still think I may order from them since they have some very interesting offerings, like the Asclepias cordifolia (purple blooms and foliage).

I'll get in touch by phone Sandy and thanks!

Susan

Thanks for the link--it's bookmarked!

Susan,

I have lots of different red salvias. Some I got from Bustani, as he carries a lot. I have two wonderful red greggis that put on the color all summer and attract both hummers and bfs. I don't have any whites as my white BF bush is my major white attractor. I can start you one of those. I have quite a few purple salvias also. And I'm getting quite a collection of agastache, which is a great nectar plant.

Let me know if you want a start of the greggi as I can start you one easily.

Dogwooderitternet has lots of variety in the spring and summer. I got a wonderful dwarf purple Mexican sage from him this summer that the BFs couldn't stay away from. I dug it up and am taking cuttings for next year. It was just absolutely a stunner.

Sandy

Thanks, Sandy, would love a red greggii. S. regla seeds have also been offered and will try it. Do you happen to have 'Red Velvet' which I think may be a greggii hybrid? I will check out Steve's website to see what he has.

I really like the Salvia Forum and recommend it to anyone interested in growing and knowing more about the Salvias, of which there are thousands it seems. Rick Dufresne posts and responds to questions concerning Salvia and he really is an expert plantsman and hybridizer of the sages. He has a website and mail order nursery A World of Salvias. He has recommended a few for me as well. Many sages will grow in part shade so I may be taking out some of my poorly performing plants and replacing them with Salvias cause they really appeal to me right now.

My last Cloudless Sulphur eclosed 2 days ago - can you believe it?

Susan

Yes,

I can believe it. I'm still seeing BFs around here. I think I may see BFs in December if the weather holds. That blows my mind!

Red Velvet sounds beautiful. How does Rick keep business separate from forum? I am interested in that. I've got quite an inventory and need to get a website going.

Sandy

Sandy, I found out by accident when I was researching Salvias. He doesn't discuss business but rather crosses he has made and new finds and the fact that other nurseries like Plant Delights carry some of his discoveries and hybrids.

Wow would love to see an inventory of your plants so I could have an idea of things I might be able to grow here as well!

Susan