
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a hardy perennial, known for its vibrant violet-blue flowers on rich, purple-black stems. These rise above a dense mound of grey-green, aromatic foliage. Blooming from early summer to autumn, it adds months of colour to the garden.
Growing to around 60cm (24in) tall and wide, this drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's perfect for sunny borders or cottage garden schemes.
A Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) award winning plant, this salvia is a proven winner in many situations.
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' has an upright habit and adds vertical interest to gravel gardens or Mediterranean-style plantings. With its compact size, this salvia is also suitable for smaller gardens.
Growing to around 60cm (24in) tall and wide, this drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It's perfect for sunny borders or cottage garden schemes.
A Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) award winning plant, this salvia is a proven winner in many situations.
Ideal conditions and applications
This sun-loving salvia thrives in various settings, from mixed borders to containers. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants like Lavandula, Nepeta, and Achillea. The contrast between its dark tones and their lighter hues creates stunning displays.Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' has an upright habit and adds vertical interest to gravel gardens or Mediterranean-style plantings. With its compact size, this salvia is also suitable for smaller gardens.
Pollinator attraction and wildlife value
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' plants are a haven for pollinators. They provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout their long blooming period. By planting them, you're supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity.Companion planting and colour combinations
Pair Salvia 'Caradonna' with plants that enhance its rich purple tones. Plant with those that share the same tolerances and preferences such as the bold, daisy-like flowers of coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), or perennial black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia). For a cohesive palette, mix with deep purples and magentas such as Geranium or Sedum varieties.How to care for Salvia nemorosa Caradonna:
Plant salvia with a handful of well-rotted garden compost mixed with the excavated soil and firm the conditioned soil around the plant. Water in well, continuing to irrigate during establishment and future dry spells. To prolong flowering, deadhead Salvia ‘Caradonna’ by removing the flower spikes as soon as they start to fade. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring. Cut back to a few inches above soil level during late autumn.
To maintain a healthy and vigorous clump, you can divide Salvia ‘Caradonna’ every four or five years, in the dormant period (late autumn to early spring), by carefully digging up the whole plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently loosen the soil around the root ball and use a sharp knife or your hands to divide it into sections. Ensure each section has healthy roots and shoots. Plant each section in a prepared hole or pot, ensuring it is at the same depth as the original plant. Water thoroughly.
To maintain a healthy and vigorous clump, you can divide Salvia ‘Caradonna’ every four or five years, in the dormant period (late autumn to early spring), by carefully digging up the whole plant, taking care not to damage the roots. Gently loosen the soil around the root ball and use a sharp knife or your hands to divide it into sections. Ensure each section has healthy roots and shoots. Plant each section in a prepared hole or pot, ensuring it is at the same depth as the original plant. Water thoroughly.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Product options
Add to basket
Delivery options (pick your preferred option at checkout)
Goes well with
Artemisia ludoviciana 'Silver Queen'
western mugwort
From £8.99
View options
2 litre pot | £17.99 |
|
3 × 2 litre pots | £44.99 |
|
9cm pot | £8.99 |
|
3 × 9cm pots | £19.99 |
|
View details