Annual salvias are real troupers in the garden. No prima donnas, they are tolerant of dry soil, and boom prolifically in full sun. One of the best is Salvia 'Summer Jewel Pink', a 2012 All-America Selections Bedding Plant award winner.

Sister to Salvia 'Summer Jewel Red', which was selected for the same award in 2011, 'Summer Jewel Pink' is a dwarf selection that blooms like gangbusters throughout the growing season. The hooded flowers are two-tone, with shades of light and deeper pink carried on spires above a cluster of broad green leaves.

The 10-24 inch tall plants come into bloom about two weeks earlier than other varieties of pink salvias and will lure butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Look for this salvia at your local garden center or greenhouse.

For more information on Salvia 'Summer Jewel Pink, go to: AAS.