Silver sage, a biennial (Salvia argentea, USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8), is most commonly photographed in its first season, when it flaunts beefy, extravagantly silvery and fuzzy leaves in a low rosette. It’s a perfect foil for finer textures and shines at the edges of garden beds. But in its second year, it sends up flashy, exuberant clouds of bright-white flowers that are a good enough reason alone to grow this plant. Silver sage prefers full sun to dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil. For best results, plant a few every year, though you may be able to ekk another year out of your plants by deadheading them promptly. (flower photo taken in the garden of Laura Livengood Schaub in San Jose, California)

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