I think rather like Dahlia's though unrelated, they need a piece of basal stem attached to shoot from. No harm in planting it though and proving me entirely wrong ;-S

Thank you Fractal - I asked because I think it was you who gave a similar answer about Dahlias, which placed a doubt in my mind. I've put it on the window sill in a cool bedroom to give it the best chance of doing something rather than turning to mush - let you know.

I've just bought this Salvia and it's in the g'house and the flowers have just opened. Wow what a stunner. Can't wait to get it into the garden in Spring. It is marginally hardy, but it all depends on the winter. I'll be taking cuttings in spring and will keep some in over winter, just in case. One tip from the growers, don't leave any fallen leaves on the top of the compost, Salvias are prone to rotting from botrytis over winter. Also, ventilate well on milder days and only water when it's getting dry. Well, that's 2 tips!

Thanks Volunteer!
You understand why I'm keen to hang on to it then!!

Oh, yes. I also bought S. atrocyanea which has amazing lime green calyces and vivid blue flowers.

That does look interesting!

I have it too. It's against the base of the house wall in very sheltered south facing spot in extra well drained soil so I'll let you all know the result in late spring:)