"FrankB" wrote in message
o.uk...
I have a Salvia Patens. I've heard cinflicting advice as to overwintering
them. Some say dig them up before first frost and store them like dahlias.
Don't dig rhem up, but cover crown with 3" mulch or dead leaves.Would that
be enough to protect them if the temp fell consistently below freezing at
night over the winter? What would happen if we get a few weeksa of settled
snow?


It is very difficult to predict the survival of the tuberous type Salvias,
it seems to be a combination of wet and cold that gets them, I have known
them survive very hard frost in the ground and die in a dank greenhouse at
+5 (I have also seen them die at virtually frost free conditions outside)
best advice is to take cuttings each year (these seem more cold tolerant)
and they are also easy from seed so its worth harvesting some of that. You
are probably too late for either this year!

--
Charlie, Gardening in Cornwall
Holders of National Collections of Clematis viticella
and Lapageria rosea cvs
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk