Why is Chinese Red Sage called red? Its red roots are a source of important medicine in the Chinese tradition. The flowers are actually a lovely lavender blue. In stress, the foliage can turn red, though. I thought it was funny that it actually can be red in some unexpected way.

Salvia miltiorrhiza prefers dappled shade and temperate humidity. It lasted two or three years in my hot garden, growing in water, but never got too big. I think it's a great ornamental if you have the right conditions!