The mysteries of gardening

I fell in love with this annual salvia last year (the pink blooms). It's called Coral Nymph.
Here it is last July.

Here it is this July:


I had some left over this year so decided to stick a few into a container.
Here it is in the container:

So, what's up with that?

The mystery of gardening, I guess.

By the way, has anyone ever noticed how many writers love gardening, birds, nature and dogs?