The Salvia genus is huge, with as many as 900 species, covering a wide range of growth types and habitats. There are shrubby and perennial sages, and of course many biennials and annuals that are better known as bedding plants. Many garden salvias are long-flowering and often repeat-flowering. In some cases, the actual flowers are a bonus, as the main attraction are bracts, which sometimes persist long after the flowers cease. Salvia flowers provide valuable nectar for bees and butterflies. Most sages come from warm, Mediterranean-like climates, where they enjoy a warm position in full sun. As a general rule, avoid growing them in soils that are excessively wet in winter. Cut back when the flowering stems stop looking pretty — and you may even be rewarded by a second flowering!