The Unplugged group of salvias is doubling in size this year with the addition of Unplugged Red and the new passion of my heart, Unplugged White. I wrote about the group a few months ago but Unplugged White deserves its own column now.

I’ve explained before that I am new to white. I know that sounds crazy coming from a guy who will try every color and shade of orange like its my career, and then finally get to white. Son James became a white expert and thankfully so, largely because of female clients in the grandma age group.

When Unplugged Red and Pink came out, I was thrilled. The red, full of excitement and exuding passion. The white, well I admit I yawned. Last year the white did its thing and certainly looked good in photos. It had absolutely no problems during what I considered to be the hottest summer of my life.

Presently in April of year two it is like Unplugged White said, “move over boys, let me show you how it’s done.” The old rule for perennials is year one they sleep, year two they creep and year three they leap. Well, these leaped and were the first salvias blooming.

Now, here is the conundrum: They are perennial for me but may not be for you. Unless you read the tag you may just think it is an annual when in your area it is an outstanding perennial. Unplugged White is a Salvia farinacea, native to Texas, Oklahoma and Mexico, and thus hardy in zones 7b-10. It is, however, worth every penny as an annual.

Unplugged White is a great name as once you start planting them you will unplug your cell phones, tablets or devices I don’t know about as you become immersed into gardening. The botanical name Salvia farinacea is also just fine but the common name "mealycup sage" needs a PR firm.

Oh well, don’t think about that, just make sure you plant some, at least three. Unplugged White salvia will create excitement in the garden via the spiky texture. It will reach 14 to 24 inches tall with a 12-to-16-inch spread. You will relish the fact that it is not on the deer menu but will attract bees and butterflies.

I have used it close to the entrance of the home. It is planted with ajuga and this year new Totally Stoked Riptide Stoke’s asters. Its proximity to containers on the steps gives the illusion that it’s really a combo with Lemon Coral sedum and Superbells Pomegranate Punch calibrachoas.

It is also an ideal thriller plant in mixed containers. By virtue of the color white, it will work with any other colors you choose. This brings up the topic of fertilization and water. Those you have in mixed containers that get watered daily in the long hot summer will need regular feeding as well as the companions. A dilute water-soluble mix every two to three weeks will be ideal.

The native habitat of these salvia suggests that they are drought tolerant and tough as nails, and they are. But soil improvement pays off in fertility and drainage. This is even more important if you want them to establish as perennials. Incorporate controlled release granules at soil preparation and then side dress in midsummer.

Unplugged White responds well to deadheading or even a little selective cutting back. This will increase branching and of course more blooming. You need to get yours this spring and follow me on my Facebook page @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more photos and garden inspiration.

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)

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