It might survive but it will probably not thrive. I have had one for 4 years in zone 7a. I survives the winter just fine but struggles with hot and humid nights. When this one goes I will not even consider replacing it - one bloom in 4 years.

In nature it's spectacular. Look at the thread "Salvia pachyphylla in California."

My experience with pachyphylla in North Carolina was similar to wardda's, except that it usually dies in the hot, humid summer, unless it is oversized in a pot, meaning it uses all the water I give it every day. This was High Country Garden's select form, and the floral display was so pale I almost missed it.

The climate in the two localities I've visited is dry in summer, except for the very occasional summer thunderstorm, and nights are cool, usually below 50 deg F. Mid-summer frost is possible. Most days are clear and sunny. Day-night temperature swings of at least 40 deg F would be usual. If you can get into Western U.S. Historical Climate Summaries, the data for Big Bear Lake, CA, would be typical.