Salvia bulleyana is a perennial plant that is native to Yunnan province in China, growing on hillsides at 2,100 to 3,400 m (6,900 to 11,200 ft) elevation. S. bulleyana grows on a few branched stems with ovate to ovate-triangular leaves.

Inflorescences are 4 flowered verticillasters in loose racemes or panicles that are 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in), with a purple-blue corolla that is 2 cm (0.79 in).