Please tell us what USDA zone you are in, and your exposure and soil type. Success with salvias in general depends on knowing this information. Knowledge of your microclimates is also very valuable.

sorry thought it said 7. actually I am 7b-8 atlanta

It is a greggii hybrid, and should get to 2 feet tall and wide or a bit less, especially in sun. I'd plant it in a raised bed of sandy loam, especially if you have clay soil.

A little slow release fertilizer worked into the soil under its drip line once or twice a year will keep it reasonably well nourished. Hardwood bark mulch is advised, since it breaks down into a hmus sages like.

Thanks Rich..thats just what I needed to know

I grew mesa purple this year, but I don't think I will again next year. First, its growth habit is very sprawling and spindly(~18 inches x 3.5 ft). It looked good through mid summer, but then the branches all began growing outward. A couple main branches are even sitting on the ground. There is a big hole in the middle of the plant. In addition, something has caused some of my branches to go bad. The leaves on those branches turned yellow and fell off. The plant never bloomed well, either, although it probably does not get enough sun.

Mesa scarlet, on the other hand, has a been a big winner. It has been dense with blooms since May and the growth is compact, bushy, and neatly-shaped. It is about 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide. I will be growing more of these next year.

Before this growing season I read from others that mesa scarlet is very good while purple grows funny, so my results appear to be fairly typical... athough I've seen photos of mesa purple that look much better than mine.