Re: Salvia patens

        I first grew Salvia patens from seed about 5 years ago, and 
since then I've  been carrying them over successfully, not by 
taking cuttings, but by storing the root!  The root is actually
quite tuberous, like a dahlia root. 
         Part of my basement is unheated, and stays at  a perfect
cave-like temperature of about 45 degrees F.  In the fall I dig up the
salvia plants, cut them back, and roughly pot them in 1 or 2 gallon
pots, and put them in the cool basement. I might water them once or
twice during the winter, to keep them from shrivelling.
         In the early spring, they will start leafing out while still 
in the basement, but they sure are attractive to aphids, so I often 
have to cut off the first foliage.
          This storage system works well for Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis
jalapa) as well. (That tuber can get Really Big).
           Finally! A question I can answer!

Nancy Jakusz
Vancouver Island, B.C. CANADA
Zone 7/8
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