Hi Sheridragonfly!
Nice to hear from a fellow Alabama gardener here! I live about two miles from Oak Mountain State Park, in N. Shelby County.
I do not grow any tubular red salvias but have success with other reds-'Hot Lips', 'Navajo Red and 'Wild Watermelon' which have returned for many years. I had Salvia regla (orange- red) for several years but it died one winter. I may try it again since I am now in Zone 8b.
Susan
