Wow that's a beautiful plant but not a salvia. I think it's known as Russian sage-Perovskia.
Helena

It sure looks like Perovskia to me. This genus is related to the European Salvias. See the Salvia Research Projects discussion

http://www.botany.wisc.edu/salvia/MolecularSystematics/MolecularSystematics.html

and the cladistic chart (URL given below)

Here is a link that might be useful: Molecular Systematics of Salvia and Mentheae

That is one gorgeous specimen! One of my favorites.

Brenda

Thanks guys!

Believe it or not this specimen is part of the landscaping at our neighborhood McDonalds.

{{gwi:1244036}}

Rick