Mountain sage

It comes from western Texas and Mexico, where it's loved by hummingbirds, and has reddish flowers through late summer into autumn on woody stems. Good for drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-type gardens, it just requires the occasional, hefty drink. Hardy down to -9oC, it should survive the worst winters. If in doubt, put a thick protective mulch around the base in winter. Though introduced in 1839, it never took off commercially until the 1980s. An exciting salvia that ought to be much more popular.