This naturally occurring hybrid Sage is covered with intense violet flowers from July well into autumn, and, in fact, Salvia greggii is also known as Autumn Sage as it cam keep on blooming right until frost. 'Ultra Violet' reaches only 18-20 inches, and the small leaves are highly aromatic, not only fun to pinch and smell, but they keep deer and rabbits away. Full sun and sharp drainage are musts. PPAF. Z. 5b-9

Eye-popping red-and-white flowers cover this 3-foot Sage for months, "the best of them all," raves perennial guru, Allan Armitage. It is sometimes considered to be a form of S. greggii, and as with all Western Sages, full sun and sharp drainage are musts. Z. 7-9

A diminutive cousin of the taller Woodland Sages, 'Marcus' grows only about 10 inches high but doesn't stint on summer flowers, which are a deep violet blue. Tidy and compact, attractive grayish green foliage, and drought tolerant once established—what are you waiting for? Best in cooler regions of the country. PP 13322. Z. 4-7