Salvia guaranitica forms are slow to emerge, but grow rapidly once they start. The stems emerge from the stolons attached to the tubers. There are no `eyes' on the tubers themselves. Are the stolons crisp and white to off-white? If they are brown and soft, they are probably dead. Larger stolons are sometimes covered with bark.

Thanks for the response!-----i believe the tubers are alive but will take a closer look at them---how do i get them to grow?---should i clip the stolons off the stem and plant them stolon up tuber down??, and special planting instructions? thanks!

Hey, AGraves, I'm in Virginia also (near Dulles). How is your plant doing, and where did you buy it? I'd like to get a black&blue, but I'm having a hard time finding a suitable vendor. :)

I'd also love to find a black and blue... i'm working on a garden of black (well, as black as possible) plants, and have been trying to find a black and blue to put in with my (almost) black and white daylilies... i thought the contrast would be really nice. anyone know a good place to get them?

I have Salvia patens, anyone know how to store the tubers?

Wormy

Salvia patens needs to be treated with a lot of TLC over the winter season. It needs dry conditions and will not tolerate wet and cold around the roots. Bright cool sunlight helps, and the pot should not be allowed to freeze. It will take a while to reactivate in the spring and should not be cut back much until it restarts growth.