Mexican Sage (Salvia)

You might remember the purple flowering shrub in this Japanese Gardens/Dubbo post. My friends salvias were blooming madly too, they'd originally grown there with pieces from my own garden quite some years ago now. From the coast to the country, they're hardy and thriving still as you can see. 

The flowers are velvety; the simple purple variety ...

and the variegated, I like them both a lot.

Sharing with Weekend Flowers and Floral Friday Fotos