Salvia atropurpurea is a perennial plant that is native to Yunnan province in China, growing on grassy slopes at elevation. S. atropurpurea grows on one erect stem to tall. The leaves are ovate to broadly ovate, ranging in size from long and approximately wide.
Inflorescences are 2âÂÂ6 flowered verticillasters in terminal racemes or panicles , with a dark purple corolla that is .